Silverbridge sisters Share Cancer Journey,Urge Breast Self-Checks⁢ at all Ages

ARMAGH,NORTHERN IRELAND – Two sisters‍ from Silverbridge,County Armagh,are sharing their recent breast cancer diagnoses weeks apart⁤ in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of early detection,nonetheless of age. Aisling⁢ adn Áine, normally intensely private, have launched an Instagram page, ‘Silverbridge Sisters,’ to document their experiences and encourage others to prioritize their health.

The sisters’ story highlights ⁣the critical need for regular self-exams and proactive healthcare. While breast ‌cancer is often associated with older women, diagnoses⁤ are increasingly occurring in younger individuals. Aisling explained the initial period‍ following​ diagnosis is intensely difficult, lasting roughly 8 to 10 days, but is followed by a period of approximately 10 days where individuals can begin to feel more like themselves. “It’s that ⁤reassurance I can ​give her that she will​ get to have those⁣ days and be able to do normal things,” she said, referring to ‌her sister Áine.

The ‘Silverbridge Sisters’ Instagram page serves as a platform for support, offering a space‌ for anyone to connect, share experiences, or simply follow their journey.The sisters hope their openness will empower at least one person to perform a self-check or seek medical attention if they notice any changes. Aisling⁣ initially felt anxiety about publicly acknowledging her diagnosis, describing it as “admitting to the world” she had cancer and “putting a label” on herself and Áine. However, the overwhelming support and positive messages received‌ since⁤ launching ⁣the page have brought a sense of⁤ “peace.” Many ‍have been encouraged to check their breasts, while others have simply offered words of encouragement.

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Mother Fights for Group B Strep Awareness After Son’s Ordeal

**Eimear Mitchell** calls for routine testing after her newborn contracted Group B Meningitis.

After her son **Seamus** was placed in an induced coma due to Group B Meningitis, a mother of five is advocating for greater awareness and testing for Group B Strep. The infection was tragically passed on to him during labor.

A Mother’s Anguish

**Eimear Mitchell**, now residing near Moneymore, welcomed her fifth child, **Seamus**, just 18 weeks prior to the ordeal. Already a mother to four daughters, she was thrilled to finally have a son, however, what should have been a happy occasion was overshadowed by a traumatic experience.

**Mitchell** contends that medical professionals failed to conduct proper testing, despite indications that something was wrong. She was first informed about Group B Strep at 12 weeks into her pregnancy with **Seamus**.

When a midwife inquired whether she had ever had the streptococcal bacteria, she was unsure. Given her history of four previous births, she reports being told she “would be fine.”

Now, equipped with extensive knowledge gained through research, **Eimear** emphasizes that this assumption is dangerous. “It can come and go. You can’t assume that because someone has not had an issue in a previous pregnancy that they don’t carry it,” she stated.

Despite experiencing symptoms after 35 weeks and visiting Antrim Hospital multiple times, she claims she was never tested. “Even when I was in labour, I was sceptic and they failed to do testing on the baby and there were signs of infection in me and him and neither of us were given an antibiotic at the time.” she added.

Missed Warning Signs

**Eimear** reported symptoms like high foetal heartrate, stomach pain during examination, and abnormal discharge. Although she brought these concerns to the attention of medical staff, a Step B test was never administered. She was repeatedly reassured and sent home.

During labor, **Eimear** experienced a harrowing ordeal. “When I went down [to hospital] I had a temperature and they said they were going to induce me because they thought I had an infection,” she recounted.

“The whole next day his heartrate was high and they were giving me paracetamol but no one was doing anything they were just getting me to move to get his heart rate down.” she added.

After her water broke, the situation escalated. “I was really sceptic on the bed and his [**Seamus’s**] heart rate was going up and they told me he was becoming non-viable and it had to be an emergency section,” she explained.

Following **Seamus’s** birth, **Eimear** was told her womb was very hot, indicating an infection, and that both she and her baby would receive antibiotics, but they didn’t.

Although **Seamus** initially appeared healthy, his condition deteriorated on day eight. He refused to feed, prompting **Eimear** to contact the midwives and her health visitor. An ambulance rushed them to Antrim Hospital, where **Seamus** was placed in an induced coma.

While **Seamus** was in the coma, a consultant told **Eimear** that her son could die. Thankfully, he survived, but his long-term prognosis remains uncertain.

“It was Group B Strep that transformed into Meningitis and he ended up with a massive bleed on the brain on one side and another on the other side,” **Eimear** explained.

“We are lucky he’s come through it but after everything he now has had to go for sight tests and there’s still a wonder whether he will be able to walk and he has to go for a hearing test now,” she added.

Call for Awareness

**Eimear** now understands that Group B Strep was transmitted to **Seamus** after her waters broke. The antibiotics that were meant to be administered could have prevented the bacteria from progressing into Meningitis. A test in week 35 could have detected the bacteria and ensured timely treatment.

She has since been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, initially blaming herself for her son’s suffering. Now, **Eimear** seeks a debrief with Antrim Hospital to understand why the antibiotic treatment was not given. Her main goal is to promote Group B Strep awareness and advocate for NHS to offer optional testing.

According to the CDC, Group B Strep is a common bacteria, and about 1 in 4 pregnant women carry it (CDC).

She notes that the test costs approximately £12 for the NHS and is available privately for around £50. She believes testing should occur after 35 weeks for accurate results.

**Eimear** suggests that even basic informational materials could make a significant difference: “I think even a poster or a leaflet in a waiting room would let people know how serious this is,” she said. “I have been speaking to people in Ireland and Australia who have both said that the testing is done routinely for all mothers. I’s just not done in the UK.”

She concludes, “Group B Strep effects an average of 1 in 4 people. Even if it was offered optionally so that you could make the decision to take the test yourself and pay for it? I just think something needs to be done.”

World Today News has contacted the Northern Health Trust for comment.