Peggy’s terror
IN HOSPITAL FOR CANCER SURGERY, SHE MUST FACE HER FEARS…
Walford General Hospital is something of a home-from-home for the residents of Albert Square. Think of all the hallways that have been anxiously paced over the years; the venetian blinds urgently peered through; the endless paper coffee cups that actors have fruitlessly tried to persuade us are full, but are clearly empty. The Mitchell family, in particular, have spent so much time hogging the private rooms, they really should give something back and donate a new wing.
Peggy’s current health crisis leaves no room for ippancy, however. With doctors having identi ed a worrying mass in her breast, Peggy is preparing for a lumpectomy – if only she will sign the consent form. At
rst she hands it back, saying that if they can’t cure her for good, she doesn’t want to go through with the operation. She’s terri ed, and in the end it’s her boyfriend George who persuades her to agree to the procedure. Putting aside his empty coffee cup, he reminds Peggy just how strong she is – and that a Mitchell doesn’t give in, and doesn’t run away. With a parting kiss, Peggy is wheeled to surgery.
The operation is a success, though Peggy will still need radiotherapy, which casts a shadow over the festive season in the Vic. However, one ray of light shines on Christmas Day itself, as Peggy goes to the Fowlers’ to talk to Mark. Now facing her own mortality, Peggy’s sorry for her ghastly behaviour when she discovered he was HIV+. Bonded by adversity, the pair become friends.