A devoted mum is facing a gruelling battle with breast cancer after doctors discovered her tumour was far larger and more aggressive than first believed.
Tania Heath, 42, from Christchurch Road, Ashford, was diagnosed in January, and what began as an early-stage case quickly escalated into a complex and life-altering fight – involving multiple surgeries, serious infection and now an urgent course of chemotherapy.
Ms Heath, a veterinary nurse and mum to three children, has had to juggle fighting cancer while caring for her young family.
Her long-time friend Emma Cooper, who lives between Dover and Folkestone, described the moment Ms Heath delivered the devastating news.
“She dropped me a message back in January and said, ‘Bad news, but I’m sure it’ll be fine’,” Mrs Cooper told KentOnline.
“At the time, we thought it would be relatively straightforward – just surgery and maybe some radiotherapy.”
But by May, it became clear the tumour was far more aggressive than first thought.
Scans had underestimated its size.
Despite a lumpectomy and lymph node removal in March, doctors found the tumour was grade 3, fast-growing and dangerous.
In June, the mum-of-three underwent a mastectomy and a complex DIEP flap reconstruction – a major operation using tissue from her stomach to rebuild her breast.
The surgery involved removing part of her rib to attach vital blood vessels, leaving her with two large scars and a long recovery ahead.
Just days after coming home, Ms Heath was rushed back into hospital with a severe abdominal infection.
She spent a week in isolation and had to undergo three additional surgeries to control the infection and reopen the wound.
Her stomach wound now remains open and will take at least eight weeks to close. She must travel regularly to East Grinstead for specialist dressing changes.
Chemotherapy is set to begin in August, once her wound is healed.
While Ms Heath’s lymph nodes were thankfully clear, the grade 3 diagnosis means chemotherapy is essential to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
“She’s going to try cold capping to keep her hair, but it’s uncomfortable and doesn’t always work,” Mrs Cooper said.
“If it doesn’t, she’ll need specialist wigs and headwear – especially so she can carry on being a mum and maintain some normality.”
Mrs Cooper has now set up a GoFundMe page to help ease the financial pressure as Ms Heath undergoes treatment.
The fundraiser will help cover a range of needs, including travel to and from hospitals in London and East Grinstead, specialist recovery items, bills, and support for her children during this difficult time.
So far, more than £400 has been raised.
“Tania has always been the one who shows up,” the 42-year-old added.
“She’s the kind of person who lifts everyone else up, even when she’s struggling.
“She’s never asked for anything. But now she needs to know she doesn’t have to carry all of this on her own.”
Tania and Emma have been friends since Year 7 at Highworth Grammar School.
“She’s like family to me,” she added.
“We’ve been through thick and thin together. Watching her go through this – it’s heartbreaking.
“She’s still trying to hold everything together for her kids, even as she faces the fight of her life.”
Every donation, Mrs Cooper says, makes a difference: “She’s dealing with so much – surgeries, infection, chemo, motherhood. Your kindness helps her know she’s not alone.”
Ms Heath’s friends and family have also launched a petition urging the government to lower the routine breast screening age from 50 to 40, helping catch cancer earlier and reduce the need for aggressive treatment.
