Aussie mum’s worst fears realised when she spotted a lump on her five-year-old daughter’s chest

A mother-of-three has revealed the moment her worst fears were confirmed after tests revealed a ‘rock-solid’ lump on her daughter’s chest was a rare cancer. 

Five-year-old Lucy Galvin, from Pyrmont in inner-city Sydney, was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer known as Ewering Sarcoma in March, 2022. 

The cancer is a type of tumour that grows inside the bones, however the disease can also spread to the muscles and the lungs. 

Lucy’s mother Sarah discovered the lump on her chest while she was getting her ready for bed one night, along with her children Grace and Billy. 

She discovered a ‘rock-solid’ lump bulging from the five-year-old’s ribcage. 

‘It was a rock-solid lump that didn’t move, it wasn’t squishy, right on her ribcage,’ Ms Galvin told 7 News. 

Ms Galvin tried to find out what the lump could by doing some research online. 

She booked an appointment with her GP the following morning who sent the then- three-year-old Lucy for a chest X-ray. 

Upon receiving the results, the little girl was rushed to hospital. 

Specialists performed several tests on Lucy which revealed an abnormal growth on a tissue on one of her lungs. 

Ms Galvin spent several sleepless nights in hospital as Lucy underwent several tests. 

‘No way was I leaving the hospital without answers, I couldn’t sleep,’ she said. 

Her worst fears were confirmed when Lucy was diagnosed with the rare cancer on March 24 and began chemotherapy three weeks later. 

‘I guess I just buried deep down that I knew it was cancer,’ Ms Galvin said. 

Ms Galvin was told Lucy would need 12 months of treatment, including radiation.

A GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend to provide financial assistance for Lucy’s family while she undergoes treatment. 

Friends and family raised $18,570 with a target amount of $25,000. 

Lucy underwent a total of 12 months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove three ribs and successfully beat the disease.

Scans taken last September revealed she no longer had cancer, with Lucy celebrating the milestone by ringing the bell at the hospital. 

Lucy was able attend her first day of kindergarten with her older sister this year.