IRISH author Patricia Scanlan has revealed the “worst part” of her cancer diagnosis.
The 69-year-old was “shocked” to find out she has cancer after a routine check-up.
Patricia told the RTE Guide: “It was a bit of a shock because even though my family history isn’t great you still don’t think you’re going to get it.
“It was a routine check-up. I had a shoulder replacement in February last year and had to cancel my BreastCheck appointment that month as I was unable to put my arm behind my back for the x-rays.
“So, I went in November, got the results in December and once I was in the system it all happened quite quickly with surgery in January, followed by another surgical procedure in early March.
“The consultant is just being extra careful and the people at BreastCheck are wonderful, so caring and so kind and so thorough
“I now must undergo radiotherapy but as it was detected in the early stages the prognosis is positive. It’s the waiting for the results that is the worst bit.”
The Dubliner, who got the diagnosis on Friday 13, said that it came at a “bad time”.
She is currently preparing for the release of her new book City Girls Forever and has many PR duties with thousands of books to be signed.
And while Patricia said she isn’t particularly religious, she “puts a little blessing” for her loyal readers when signing her books.
She added: “I recently got a letter from the friend of a young woman who died with cancer. In her end-care at a hospice, she wanted me to know how much my books had got her through the tough times. How humbling is that?”
Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian was also diagnosed with breast cancer last year after discovering a lump she initially thought was a blocked milk duct while breastfeeding her youngest child.
Ali, who played Becca Dean on the Channel 4 soap, was told in June that she had stage 2 breast cancer.
The actress shared an incredible update on social media earlier this month and revealed she’s now cancer free.
She wrote: “Thank you so much for all your birthday messages last week, I’m honestly so grateful for all the love and support from my little corner of social media.
“I wanted to update you all. I’m on to my final week of radiotherapy, which should mark the end of my active treatment — I hope and pray for good!
BRAVE STAR
“I had my mastectomy in January, which was thankfully a success and has healed really well. It proved that my chemo had worked.
“As I sit here right now, I’m free from cancer. I can’t even believe it.”
Ali went on to praise the “incredible” team at Cork University Hospital who cared for her throughout her treatment, from her consultants to the oncology nurses who offered comfort during her most difficult moments.
She said: “The nurses have given me compassion, time, and space to share and talk about my experience of a very challenging treatment pathway — one that, although we thank God exists, is not only a lot for the body to process but an awful lot to process mentally and emotionally.”
