A mother who initially thought her back pain was a result of a strained muscle discovered it was actually a sign of a severe illness when scans showed a fracture on her spine caused by tumors. Rachel McCormack, aged 38, had successfully battled stage two breast cancer in 2015 and received a clean bill of health after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery, with regular mammograms to monitor her well-being.
Experiencing lower back discomfort in December 2024, Rachel initially assumed it was due to gradual muscle strain. After consulting with a general practitioner and being referred for physiotherapy, the pain persisted and worsened, prompting her to express her concerns to her breast care team at Scarborough Hospital. An MRI scan revealed that tumours on her spine had caused a fracture in her vertebrae.
Diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer in July 2025, Rachel is currently undergoing a 12-week regimen of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted body therapy to reduce the size of the tumor.
Given the grim prognosis, Rachel’s family and friends have come together to raise funds to purchase a campervan. This will provide Rachel, her partner James, 39, and their five-year-old daughter Iris with a sense of liberation amidst ongoing treatments.
Rachel, a midwife from Scarborough, stated, “In my line of work, where I’m constantly bending and twisting, experiencing back issues is not uncommon.” She further added, “I pursued physiotherapy, but my condition did not improve; instead, it worsened. I contacted my breast care team and requested a bone scan.”
Rachel emphasized the importance of practical planning in terms of treatment, daily routines, and childcare responsibilities, particularly for her young daughter. The campervan will offer the family the flexibility to embark on short trips during favorable weather or when Rachel is feeling well, while maintaining a semblance of normalcy in their lives.
Despite consistently clear mammogram results post her initial diagnosis, Rachel grappled with anxiety about the potential return of her cancer. She emphasized the necessity of early detection and treatment, especially for younger individuals facing breast cancer.
A colleague initiated a fundraiser to help the family purchase the campervan, surpassing the initial goal of £15,000. Rachel expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging the campervan’s role in providing a reprieve from treatments while preserving a sense of normalcy in their lives. The family plans to sell their car to contribute to the fund, aiming to create special memories around the holiday season after Rachel completes her chemotherapy in November.