Pressure from huge cancerous tumour snapped mum’s collarbone

Mum of two Beckii Corbett initially thought she had pulled a muscle in her shoulder before receiving the devastating diagnosis that she was in fact suffering from a life-threatening tumour.

Thankfully, the 29-year-old from Fairfield is now cancer-free, but she has permanently lost the use of her left arm and can no longer lift it.

She is now urging others to seek help if they notice any unusual changes to their body and is celebrating her survival by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Walk All Over Cancer fundraiser.

Beckii first noticed a pain in her left shoulder in April 2019 but put it down to her hectic lifestyle in looking after young children, planning a dream wedding to husband Mark and working full-time as a nursery nurse.

Beckii Corbett with husband Mark, son Charlie and daughter Eliza

Over the next few months, the pain began to worsen until she was unable to extend her arms behind her back to fasten her bra strap.

An x-ray revealed a tumour growing in her humerus bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow, and in September she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

Beckii, who is mum to Charlie, 8, and Eliza, 3, said: “I will never forget that moment, as in that instant my world was turned upside down.

“I was absolutely heartbroken, and telling my eldest child was probably the hardest conversation I have ever had.”

Beckii was referred for immediate chemotherapy treatment at the Christie Hospital in Manchester and was also warned that her arm may need to be amputated.

Beckii during her chemotherapy treatment at the Christie Hospital in Manchester

She also developed sepsis during her first chemotherapy cycle and was rushed to A&E at Warrington Hospital for urgent treatment.

It was here, as her body started to become increasingly weaker, that the pressure from the tumour snapped her collarbone as she moved to get out of bed.

After three months of chemotherapy, Beckii was told in January last year that surgery could remove the remaining cancer and entire humerus bone, however it was likely that this would require the full amputation of her arm from the shoulder downwards.

Thankfully, the operation was a success and amputation was not required, but Beckii has been left with no movement in her left arm as she has no bone between her shoulder and elbow.

“It was frightening, but I was in full survival mode and was prepared to do whatever it took to beat this disease and to be there for my husband and kids,” she continued.

“I went into panic mode after waking up from the surgery. My heart rate was going through the roof and I am a drama queen at the best of times, but I was just so relieved when I realised my arm was still there.

Beckii's arm following surgery

“If I had gone to the doctor when I first noticed the pain, I might still have a full working arm.

“That is why I want to encourage anyone who notices any changes in their body to get checked out and seek help from their doctor.”

On signing up to Walk All Over Cancer, which sees participants walk 10,000 steps every day in March to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving mission, Beckii added: “It is thanks to research that I am still here today.

“I am living proof of how research saves lives, and that is why I am encouraging everyone in Warrington to step up to the Walk All Over Cancer challenge this March.”

To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, visit cruk.org/walkallover