Camilla Franks recalls moment she found out she had breast cancer after being told it was mastitis

Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks has shared what it was like to find out she had breast cancer after being told numerous times it was a case of mastitis.

The 42-year-old, who gave birth to her daughter Luna three months before the shock diagnosis in May 2018, spoke to Marie Claire about finding a lump while breastfeeding.

‘It kept growing. I was told over and over that it was mastitis [a painful infection of the breast tissue], but it wasn’t mastitis,’ she told the publication.

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Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks has shared what it was like to find out she had breast cancer after being told numerous times it was a case of mastitis

Despite the heartbreaking news, Camilla will never look back at that year with disdain.

‘I was pregnant, I gave birth, I danced with the devil that is cancer… it was tough and it was challenging but, in a strange way, it was my greatest year yet,’ she explained.

While not giving any definitive answer on whether she is in remission, Camilla did finish the interview by saying ‘there’s still a journey ahead of me’.

‘I was pregnant, I gave birth, I danced with the devil that is cancer… it was tough and it was challenging but, in a strange way it was my greatest year yet,’ she explained

Camilla’s full story appears in this month’s Marie Claire magazine (pictured)

‘Cancer is part of my story now. I’m willing to accept that – and only those who have endured this raw fear and threat will understand what it means to live with it,’ she said.

Camilla has dyed her very short hair blonde where there were once long brunette tresses, but admitted she prefers it that way.

The creative director of kaftan empire, CAMILLA, previously shared a series of nine photographs on Instagram, which were captured at a photo shoot in Sydney with photographer and friend Georges Antoni.

Camilla’s fiance JP Jones and daughter Luna Gypsy Jones joined for the intimate family portraits on the day while other photos captured the designer alone.

Camilla shared powerful photos on social media to update fans following her shock breast cancer diagnosis

Camilla, the creative director of kaftan empire, CAMILLA, shared a series of nine photographs on Instagram, captured at a photo shoot in Sydney with photographer and friend Georges Antoni

Camilla’s fiance JP Jones and daughter Luna Gypsy Jones spontaneously joined for the intimate family portraits on the day while others captured the designer alone in a series of powerful poses

According to a spokesperson, Camilla shaved her head at the beginning of treatment as her way of taking some control over this journey and while she found it confronting, she also found the move empowering.

‘Our amazing Camilla is responding well to treatment and wanted to capture where she is on her personal path fighting cancer,’ Jane McNally, the CEO of CAMILLA, said at the time.

‘The strength and authenticity evident in these images is what we always see when she comes into the office.

According to a spokesperson, Camilla shaved her head at the beginning of treatment as her way of taking some control over this journey

‘I am bald and broken but I will not be beaten,’ she captioned this image

‘Camilla and JP are incredibly grateful for the love and kindness shown to them throughout this time and have been touched by the messages of support. She continues to have all of our love and encouragement.’

Camilla captioned each of the photos with a powerful, personal quote.

‘I have always run wild and free. But the devil has asked me to dance. So f**k it. I’m going to show him some moves,’ Camilla captioned one of the images.

‘The drums begin. They thump through my chest and roar in my ears. A great battle rushes towards me,’ another read.

While she found shaving her head confronting, she also found the move empowering

Camilla, 42, announced her shock breast cancer diagnosis just three months after giving birth to her baby girl

‘My determination grows with each beat of my heart and my own war cry builds. I have tasted raw terror and the salt of many tears. I am bald and broken but I will not be beaten.’

She announced the shock cancer news in May 2018 and revealed she would begin treatment under one of the country’s leading oncologists ‘very shortly’.

‘I start on this journey humble but resilient; I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared but I am fearlessly determined to do whatever it takes by focusing on my body, mind and spirit as I take my first trusting steps towards recovery,’ she said.

At the time she revealed she would begin treatment under one of Australia’s leading oncologists ‘very shortly’

‘Many of my wider CAMILLA tribe have already been on this journey themselves and I know will be an inspiration to me as I begin mine,’ she said

‘Many of my wider CAMILLA tribe have already been on this journey themselves and I know will be an inspiration to me as I begin mine.

‘As you know, my beautiful daughter Luna arrived a few months ago, and it is her smile and warmth that remind me this is a challenge I will embark on with courage – for her and my fiancé as well as myself.

‘With the incredible love and support of my little family I have no doubt I will beat this.

‘I am so grateful for those around me, who have already been such an amazing support to me following this news.’

The designer’s kaftans have turned into a multi-million dollar business empire, with 20 retail stores Australia-wide, and a 200-strong workforce.