Nermina Pieters-Mekic, a Real Housewives of Cheshire star, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 33-year-old, who has appeared on the ITVBe reality show since 2017, made the announcement in an emotional message.
Nermina said on Instagram that her ‘life changed forever’ after she discovered a tumour in her left breast.
‘I decided to see a GP who didn’t seem overly concerned,’ she continued.
Her mother encouraged her to get the tumour examined further as it grew and became more painful.
‘I’m so grateful that I did because on the 10th of July I got diagnosed with an early stage aggressive breast cancer.’
She added that her ‘heart was broken’.
‘I was so scared and had so many questions. I’m healthy and fit so how is this possible for someone of my age?!
Nermina, who has daughter Alaya-Rose, two, with footballer husband Erik Pieters, said: ‘But one question scared me the most and it makes me upset even writing it down – “will I see my little princess grow up?”‘
Now, Nermina is on a ‘long road of healing to do for me emotionally and physically as my body has been through and continues to go through such a lot’.
The equestrian and model posted images of herself in the hospital wearing a chilly headgear. The device decreases blood flow to the scalp, which limits the quantity of chemotherapy medicine that reaches this area and aids in hair loss prevention.
Erik, 35, stands firmly at her side in the images. Nermina also displayed a very crowded dining table, which was covered with bouquets of flowers sent by loved ones to show their support.
In the lengthy statement, Nermina emphasised that she will be keeping strong for the sake of her family: ‘Whenever I look into my little girl’s eyes I know I have to be strong and that I will do anything and everything to get through this’.
Nermina was flooded with support including from her celebrity pals.
‘Sending my love you can fight this ❤️,’ wrote co-star Lauren Simon.
Helen Flanagan added: ‘Sending you so much love ❤️’
Jess Wright shared: ‘Sending lots & lots of love ❤️❤️❤️❤️’
‘Sorry to hear this news Hun but you are strong and you will get through this thinking of you and family lots of love praying 🙏🏽 you guys Through ♥️♥️♥️,’ penned Lystra Adams.
How to check your breasts for signs of cancer
CoppaFeel! offers three simple steps on how to check your own chest for signs of cancer.
Look
- Look at your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Look at the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in size, outline or shape and changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling.
Feel
- Feel each of your boobs, pecs or chest.
- Feel the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone.
Be aware of any changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling, or any lumps, bumps or skin thickening which are different from the opposite side.
Notice your nipples
- Look at each of your nipples.
Be aware of any nipple discharge that’s not milky, any bleeding from the nipple, any rash or crusting on or around your nipple area that doesn’t heal easily and any change in the position of your nipple
