A WOMAN told she was infertile following cancer treatment is celebrating the arrival of a baby boy.

Anikka Burton was left devastated when a specialist said five years ago she would be unable to conceive because of the chemotherapy she had received for breast cancer.

However the 39-year-old and her husband Craig, 38, from Lindfield, were determined not to give up hope.

She said: “After six months of scouring the internet, I began to think the clinician who conducted the original tests may have been wrong. I wanted a second opinion.”

The couple found a specialist with experience in working with cancer patients and this time the news was more positive.

They discovered the original tests were not reliable so soon after treatment and while Mrs Burton was still on hormone therapy.

Mrs Burton said: “We were thrilled but couldn’t shake our anger at previously being given an incorrect diagnosis that left me in pieces.

“Thankfully we didn’t take no for an answer.”

This was the second time Mrs Burton had experienced problems with the medical profession after having to insist on being tested for cancer.

She said: “If I hadn’t pushed for a biopsy, I wouldn’t be here now.”

Mrs Burton went through 18 months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstruction.

During this time she was determined to stay positive and set up a new company called Not Another Bunch of Flowers.

This is a gift service for those for who traditional get well treats are not suitable.

She said: “I was so grateful for people’s well wishes and beautiful flowers but sadly I often didn’t receive them as many hospitals have banned them on the wards. I knew there had to be an alternative and put all my efforts into finding it. It was a good distraction from cancer.”

In 2016, back on the road to good health and with the support of her oncologist, Mrs Burton took a treatment break to test her fertility.

It revealed she had a very good chance of conceiving and earlier this year she gave birth to Monty.

Mrs Burton said: “We feel really blessed but if I had listened to the original consultant it wouldn’t have happened.

“My story isn’t unique and I feel very strongly that young cancer patients should be given the right information and support when it comes to their fertility, this dreadful disease and its treatments.”

Mrs Burton is now helping to raise awareness of breast cancer, early diagnosis and its long-term effects.