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Barry Mum thanks hospital staff for her beating cancer three times

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at 12:23

By Nathan Spackman X @nathanspackman

Michaela Virgill, a breast centre patient at University Hospital Llandough, who will also be appearing on BBC Saving Lives in Cardiff tonight at 9pm.

A mum-of-three from Barry who has beaten cancer three times has sung the praises of the “amazing” hospital staff who cared for her, in this week's episode of Saving Lives in Cardiff.

Michaela Virgill was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after a lump was found in her right breast.

Two lumpectomies followed by a single mastectomy was then carried out by Clinical Lead Eleri Davies at the Breast Centre at University Llandough, along with chemotherapy.  Later, Michaela had a DIEP (breast) reconstruction on the right, and a breast reduction on the left to enable symmetry.

After five years free of the disease, a follow-up mammogram in 2020 revealed a new lump on her left breast, resulting in another mastectomy.

But more was to follow when the 56-year-old found a new lump in her scar tissue on the left, with two cancerous lymph nodes in her armpit just 3 years later in 2023. She endured six months of chemotherapy, surgery consisting of a lumpectomy along with a full Axillary Node Clearance (ANC), 15 sessions of radiotherapy, and 18 injections of Phesgo treatment to suppress a hormone in her type of breast cancer.

After a gruelling 18 months, Michaela has finally finished her treatment and has been given the all-clear. She is currently undergoing a genetics trial to check for the BRACA1 gene which investigates whether her cancer is hereditary.  Michaela said, “I just hope I won’t have to go through this again, and that my children won’t either”.

“Throughout my breast cancer journey, the Breast Centre at University Hospital Llandough has been amazing - they've been my support. I don't know where I would've been without them through my eight years of breast cancer. I just want to say ‘thank you’ to them all.”

A mum-of-three who has beaten cancer three times has sung the praises of the “amazing” hospital staff who cared for her.

Michaela Virgill, from Barry, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after a lump was found in her right breast.

Two lumpectomies followed by a single mastectomy was then carried out by Clinical Lead Eleri Davies at the Breast Centre at University Llandough, along with chemotherapy.  Later, Michaela had a DIEP (breast) reconstruction on the right, and a breast reduction on the left to enable symmetry.

After five years free of the disease, a follow-up mammogram in 2020 revealed a new lump on her left breast, resulting in another mastectomy.

But more was to follow when the 56-year-old found a new lump in her scar tissue on the left, with two cancerous lymph nodes in her armpit just 3 years later in 2023. She endured six months of chemotherapy, surgery consisting of a lumpectomy along with a full Axillary Node Clearance (ANC), 15 sessions of radiotherapy, and 18 injections of Phesgo treatment to suppress a hormone in her type of breast cancer.

After a gruelling 18 months, Michaela has finally finished her treatment and has been given the all-clear. She is currently undergoing a genetics trial to check for the BRACA1 gene which investigates whether her cancer is hereditary.  Michaela said, “I just hope I won’t have to go through this again, and that my children won’t either”.

“Throughout my breast cancer journey, the Breast Centre at University Hospital Llandough has been amazing - they've been my support. I don't know where I would've been without them through my eight years of breast cancer. I just want to say ‘thank you’ to them all.”

During her treatment, Michaela took on numerous fundraising activities in a bid to help many cancer charities, from Muddy Runs to walking Wales’ four waterfalls.

She had even signed up to Wye Valley Mighty Hike with her daughter, but her third cancer diagnosis got in the way. Although Michaela could no longer take part, her husband swooped in and took her place.

As part of Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, the Breast Centre Appeal funds numerous rehabilitation classes and groups for all its patients, including Michaela. Over the years, she has joined the Pink Ribbon Fitness group, an online community set up for Breast Centre patients to chat together. They also meet up once a month for a walk organised by Breast Centre Senior Physiotherapist, Victoria Collins.

More recently, Michaela has joined a regular Aqua Aerobics class and circuit class tailored for Breast Centre patients at Cardiff’s Splash Central. These sessions, along with pilates and yoga classes, are funded from generous donations to the Breast Centre Appeal.

Throughout her years as a patient, Michaela has attended many events in support of the Breast Centre Appeal. From taking part in the ‘Walk 10 miles to celebrate 10 years of the Breast Centre Appeal’, to dining on cake and sipping on tea at a dedicated afternoon tea event. Her support has been invaluable.

Recently, Michaela has decided to take early retirement in a bid to live life to the fullest - especially now that she has grandchildren. With her newfound freedom, she hopes to raise more money for the Breast Centre Appeal to ensure the next generation has access to more research.

Despite all the worry and stress Michaela has suffered, she said she remains incredibly optimistic and outgoing.

This October 13th (2024) Clinical Lead Eleri Davies will be running the Chicago Marathon in support of all her patients at the Breast Centre. If you could help Eleri reach her target of £10,000, please visit her JustGiving page.

Saving Lives in Cardiff broadcasts on BBC One Wales at 9pm on 24th September, or is available via BBC iPlayer.

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