Brave Bernadette in catwalk debut
Mum-of-two battles back from diagnosis
A Wishaw mum will take to the catwalk putting a nightmare year behind her after she was diagnosed with cancer.
Bernadette Healy’s world was turned upside down in April last year when she went to her doctor with problems with her eye.
Tests showed that she was suffering not only from breast cancer but that a tumour had also been detected behind her eye.
But brave Bernadette has battled back after five operations and a hysterectomy and will now be on the catwalk as part of Breast Cancer Care Scotland’s fashion show at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow next month.
Bernadette, who lives in Netherton, said: “I had suffered from some headaches but then my daughter Morgan told me when we were out one night that my eye was closing and I should do something about it.
“It was only after several different scans, a throat biopsy then an eye biopsy that the doctors discovered I had breast cancer which had spread to a tumor behind my eye.
“So I was diagnosed with primary and secondary breast cancer at the same time, which was like being struck by lightening!
“The doctors were able to tell me that it was actually breast cancer which had spread behind my eye.
“I wasn’t able to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy was ruled out because it would affect my eyesight.
“It’s very unusual; I’ve had five operations in the past year and should be getting a sixth soon but I’m doing reasonably well.
“As well as my family, The Haven charity based beside Wishaw General have been a tremendous support to me since diagnosis, with complimentary therapies and a listening ear when needed.”
Bernadette, 52, has been supported through her cancer battle by husband Kevin, daughter Morgan, 18, and 21-year-old son Connor.
The maths tutor is now looking forward to returning to ‘normality again’ and believes taking part in the fashion show is giving her a renewed confidence.
She added: “I am no longer fit enough to work in the schools, which I loved to do, but with the help of my friends, family and Breast Cancer Care, I am now happily tutoring children on a self employed basis.
“I have slowly managed to put my life back together and appreciate every minute of every day.
“Taking part in the Breast Cancer Care fashion show this year is something wonderful to look forward to, and something I would never have had the confidence to do before. I am hoping my story will not only inspire some people who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and reassure them that it is not a death sentence.
“I am living proof that you can lead a normal life with a secondary cancer diagnosis.”
If any local business would like to donate raffle or auction prizes for the show then they can call Breast Cancer Care on 0141 353 8337 or email theshowscotland@ breastcancercare.org.uk
COMPETITION