Breast Cancer Survivor Faces Recurrence for Third Time
Dr Liz O’Riordan, former Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, recently discovered a red mark on her chest, just to the left of her mastectomy scar. She immediately knew what it meant – her breast cancer was back for a third time. While a local recurrence, where the cancer returns in the same area as the initial tumor, is curable and manageable, O’Riordan couldn’t help but worry about the possibility of the cancer spreading to other parts of her body.
O’Riordan wasted no time seeking medical attention and visited her GP, who promptly made an urgent appointment with the breast clinic. Meanwhile, she continued her advocacy work to promote her new book, Under The Knife, which focuses on her experience with breast cancer and offers support for those going through similar challenges. She recorded podcasts, gave interviews, and actively engaged with breast cancer support groups.
At the breast clinic, O’Riordan experienced the difficulty of trying to remain positive and friendly while facing her own fears and anxieties. She encountered fellow patients who recognized her and engaged in conversations, but all she wanted to do was hide. Despite her own internal struggles, O’Riordan continued to prioritize raising awareness about breast cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection.
During her examination, O’Riordan’s doctor performed an ultrasound and punch biopsy of the nodule. A few days later, a full-body CT scan was conducted to determine if the cancer had spread. O’Riordan describes the waiting period as the worst, as she was consumed by thoughts of what the future might hold. Finally, on July 26, she received the news she had been hoping for – it was a local recurrence.
While O’Riordan and her loved ones were relieved to hear that it had not spread further, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticlimax. She underwent surgery to remove the nodule and a margin of tissue around it. Following the healing process, she will begin radiotherapy and medication to minimize the chances of further recurrence. However, O’Riordan acknowledges that the fear of cancer returning will always loom.
O’Riordan reflects on the impact cancer has had on her body and her life. She had her left breast removed and underwent a reconstruction, only to have the implant removed after her first recurrence. Hormone-blocking medication and the removal of her ovaries were necessary for treatment to be effective. Additionally, she experienced post-mastectomy pain syndrome in her chest wall and various physical limitations that forced her to retire as a breast surgeon.
Despite the challenges she has faced, O’Riordan remains committed to her work and writing endeavors. She accepts what lies ahead and acknowledges the importance of physical well-being in the face of recurrence. However, she profoundly expresses the emotional toll that cancer takes on one’s life and the grief she feels for the things she has lost.
O’Riordan’s story is a testament to the enduring battle faced by millions of cancer survivors. While medical advancements have greatly improved survival rates, the physical and emotional impact of the disease cannot be underestimated. O’Riordan urges others to remain vigilant in monitoring their health and seeking medical attention when necessary. Above all, she emphasizes the need for ongoing support and understanding for those going through the journey of cancer.