Nelly Nordell, a 29-year-old mother from Norrköping, faces an unimaginable battle with incurable breast cancer. Diagnosed during her pregnancy, Nelly's story highlights the importance of early detection and the emotional toll of living with a terminal illness. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful, cherishing moments with her young son and advocating for awareness.
Nelly's Battle: A Young Mother's Fight Against Incurable Breast Cancer
Nelly's Battle: A Young Mother's Fight Against Incurable Breast Cancer
Nelly Nordell is 29 years old and determined to live. During her pregnancy, she discovered a lump in her breast. Today, she faces incurable breast cancer, with no curative options available.
"I have a one-year-old; I can't die now," she says.
Nelly lives with her partner Josip and their one-year-old son Vincent in Norrköping. Their home is lively, with Vincent playing with their dog Prada, creating a seemingly typical family atmosphere.
However, at the start of summer, Nelly was diagnosed with incurable cancer and now only receives palliative care and medication to slow the disease.
This reality is a stark contrast to a year and a half ago. Previously a hairdresser, Nelly and her partner were eagerly expecting their first child last spring.
"We were so happy and saw a bright future ahead. It felt like life was just beginning," she recalls.
Discovery of a Lump
During her pregnancy, Nelly noticed a lump in her right breast. She mentioned it to healthcare providers multiple times but was reassured it was normal and advised to massage the area.
"Today, I feel let down by the healthcare system. No one took it seriously or mentioned it could be serious," she says.
Vincent was born in mid-July 2024, and five weeks later, Nelly could no longer breastfeed from her right breast due to pain. She sought help again and was referred to a breast unit.
In September of the same year, she received the devastating diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form. The tumor was 15 centimeters large, and the cancer had spread.
"My world collapsed while I held my son in my arms," she says.
"Can't Look in the Mirror"
Doctors initially attempted to cure the cancer. Nelly underwent several chemotherapy and radiation treatments, frequently visiting the University Hospital in Linköping.
In February, she had her right breast removed. Lymph nodes in her armpit were also removed to prevent further spread.
After the surgery, she was told the cancer was gone.
"Often, both breasts are removed as a precaution with this gene mutation, but I was advised to remove one at a time for healing," she says.
In hindsight, she wishes both had been removed.
"I don't know if it would have prevented the spread, but I need to live with myself. Now, I don't want to see myself in the mirror. I don't want to wear swimwear, and it's my son's first summer. My self-image was shattered, even though I know my worth isn't in my body."
Shortly after, she discovered new lumps on the left side and around the removed breast.
Incurable Cancer
One June day this year, she and her partner sat with the doctor and learned the cancer had returned, and medication was now the only option.
In a way, Nelly wasn't surprised.
"It's hard to describe. You're there physically, but in a way, you leave the room. Both my partner and I had thought about it, but I can't help feeling that I'm 29 and have a one-year-old—I can't die now. I'm willing to try anything just to live and for my son to have a mother growing up," she says.
Happy Moments at Home
Nelly is pragmatic and straightforward about her situation. While battling cancer, she must also manage everyday challenges. During the interview, her son Vincent constantly seeks her attention.
"But darling, do you have to bang with that?" Nelly says, pausing her story.
"It's strange to be in this crisis and still be very happy. I can be very sad and an hour later feel happy and grateful for everything I have."
She can no longer lift her son for long periods and needs several rest breaks each day. Her partner now works part-time to help at home.
Meanwhile, the family, like many others, deals with feeding, diaper changes, and bedtime routines.
"I get to see our son develop, and it's the most amazing thing. Those moments when he climbs onto the couch to cuddle, when he learned to walk. It's incredible to be a mom," she says.
Still Hopeful
The cancer has now also spread to her vertebrae and lung. Doctors won't say how much time she has left, but according to Nelly, many in her situation don't live longer than five years.
Despite this, she remains hopeful.
She sees the medication as a way to buy time and is exploring treatment options abroad. Together with friends and family, she researches and her former colleagues have started a fundraiser.
For Nelly, it's also important to share her story so others don't end up in the same situation.
"It's important for me to share my story and raise awareness among other women to take it seriously if they find a lump during pregnancy, even though it's rare to develop this form of cancer," she says.
How do you view death?
"I'm mostly worried that my partner will become a single parent and that my son will grow up without a mother. There's a helplessness in that, that I won't be part of his life and support him. I know it affects a child; I'm a child of divorce myself. I'm also afraid he'll blame himself for his mom getting cancer. And of course, I'd like to know what happens when you die."