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Medway estate agent told she has breast cancer one year after going to Medway Maritime hospital with a lump

An estate agent is hoping for one more chance of survival after being diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer at the age of 29.

Leonie Botten, from Wainscott near Strood, was referred to Medway Hospital after discovering a growth on her breast in May 2022 but was told it was nothing to worry about.

By December it had grown and she was told she had stage-4 triple-negative breast cancer.

Expecting a year of treatment and tests, Leonie remained optimistic about her future.

She said: "I booked a doctor's appointment in January 2023 and they said they were concerned about it.

“I went back in for an ultrasound and they didn't like what they saw.

“The lady that did it was the same one who first looked at it and she said it had got bigger.

Leonie's nephew Jack pulling off her wig at a family gathering. Picture: Leonie Botten
Leonie's nephew Jack pulling off her wig at a family gathering. Picture: Leonie Botten

“They did a biopsy and then sent me for a mammogram. A couple of weeks later I got the confirmation that it was cancer.”

The news was broken to her by a letter which was sent before her in-person consultation.

She said: “My mum read it and understood what it meant so it's my mum who broke the news to me.

“It was traumatizing for both of us. They told us it was curable and it was scary, but I just thought okay I'm going to have a bit of a rubbish year with all the treatment.

“But then after the scans they realized it had spread and was incurable.

Leonie Botten recovering with her mum after her liver biopsy. Picture: Leonie Botten
Leonie Botten recovering with her mum after her liver biopsy. Picture: Leonie Botten

“Looking back, I should have asked more questions and probably got a second opinion, but when you're told by a professional you just think everything's fine.

“I'm very angry about it. I'm laughing but I'm very angry because it could have all been prevented.

“If they noticed it in June 2022 when it was a small lump it wouldn't have got to my organs.

“It would have just been a case of a lumpectomy or chemo.

“But once it spread they say there's not much they can do.”

Leonie Botten celebrated her nan's birthday with extended family at the park. Picture: Leonie Botten
Leonie Botten celebrated her nan's birthday with extended family at the park. Picture: Leonie Botten

Sarah Vaux, Interim Chief Nursing Officer at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘’We are very sorry to hear about this case and have reached out to Ms Botton to discuss any concerns about her care.’’

Leonie is on her third round of chemotherapy and has been off work since getting the cancer diagnosis but, if and when the scans come back with positive results, she has been told she is welcome back anytime.

She's also raising funds to try and get treatment in America.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in her name which, at time of writing, sits at £38,000. Her target is £72,000.

The first treatment costs around £49,000 and Leonie has said once that has been raised her and the family will be making their way to America.

Leonie and her boyfriend George climbed Snowdon after receiving her diagnosis
Leonie and her boyfriend George climbed Snowdon after receiving her diagnosis

Any money that is raised but not needed for the treatment will go to charities Young Lives Vs Cancer and Make 2nds Count.

Friends have also organised a charity football match at Sheppey United Football Club through Sellebrity Soccer.

Her brothers Ash, Jay and Tim have also pledged to take on a series of physical challenges to help their sister the best they can.

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