An Arbroath woman who had treatment for breast cancer at Ninewells Hospital has handed over a cheque to express her thanks for the care she received.
Lorraine Gibson (49) married long-term partner Nicol in May after she had come through the shock diagnosis and treatment. The healthcare assistant, who works at Arbroath Infirmary, asked guests to give donations rather than gifts, which she decided to donate to the Ninewells Cancer Campaign.
Lorraine said, “We had stayed together for about four years and had bought a house together. We had everything we needed, so when it came to getting married we decided that we would just ask people to donate to cancer research instead of wedding gifts.”
Lorraine was diagnosed in April 2009 after, on her own admission, she had delayed having a lump investigated.
“I found a lump myself. I didn’t do anything about it right away,” she admits. “I kept it to myself for about three months. I tried to convince myself it was to do with the menopause.”
Luckily, during a routine appointment to update her medical records, Lorraine’s GP asked if she had any lumps.
She added, “Things were done very quickly. When I was diagnosed at the breast clinic, it wasn’t really a surprise to me.
“I had a really good service at Ninewells. I was really well treated and they looked after everything.”
Soon after diagnosis Lorraine was started on chemotherapy and then was admitted to Ninewells for a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
Nicol, who works offshore as a welder, proposed to Lorraine in late 2009 when the couple were enjoying a break immediately after the radical treatment.
Lorraine returned to work last August and is now doing well.
The mother-of-one said, “I am not on any treatment of any kind at all.”
Lorraine is delighted she is back doing the job she loves in the maternity unit and is looking forward to the future. She is keen to support breast cancer research and invited campaign vice-chairwoman Lady Fiona Fraser to her home to accept the £1100 cheque.
Last year Lorraine and some friends took part in the Race For Life at Camperdown Park in Dundee. They managed to raise around £1400 for cancer research.
Photo by Jim Ratcliffe.