Ameena Westwood, a courageous 54-year-old mother of four from Smethwick, has once again been confronted with a cancer diagnosis after initially beating the disease seven years ago. In 2017, Ameena was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy, eventually receiving the news she was cancer-free.
However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Ameena faced a second diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in March 2024. What began as a lingering cough—initially attributed to Covid-19—turned out to be a sign of the cancer’s return.
Reflecting on common misconceptions, Ameena shared with BirminghamLive, “I passed by five-year checks, and a lot of people say, ‘Oh, you get past your five years, cancer’s not going to come back.’” She noted how this mindset can lead to complacency, with many believing remission guarantees the cancer won’t return.
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The symptoms gradually worsened. “I was at work, and I just had a cough that wouldn’t go away. I took a COVID test and tested positive,” Ameena explained. But her condition deteriorated, leaving her winded after climbing just a flight of stairs. She experienced racing pulse and erratic blood pressure, alongside significant unintended weight loss.
Concerned, Ameena sought medical attention three times before a chest x-ray unveiled the severity of her condition. The reaction of the radiographers—eyes widening in shock—confirmed her fears. She was told to go directly to A&E and that she had lesions in her lung, which had partially collapsed with fluid buildup.
The formal diagnosis of terminal metastatic breast cancer came weeks later. Ameena, who also has a family history of breast cancer, recounted the emotional moment telling her mother she could no longer undergo a planned procedure due to the diagnosis: “I knelt down, held her hand, and said, ‘Mum, they can’t do it because I’ve got terminal cancer.’”
Currently, Ameena manages her illness through targeted therapy, taking oral medication twice daily to control the disease’s spread to her bones—her spine, hip, sternum, and ribs are affected. She attributes her survival to these treatments, acknowledging, “Without treatment, I would have been gone by now. I’m grateful for that.”
Despite her diagnosis, Ameena continues to work full-time, motivated by a desire to make a difference and maintain positivity. She admits the struggle but remains firm in her resolve.
Ameena also praises the emotional and practical support provided by Macmillan Cancer Support, highlighting their confidential helpline as a valuable resource when she does not want to worry her family.