Mum with rare cancer gene opts for double mastectomy
MOTHER-of-two Leeanne Curry is preparing to begin the new year under the surgeon’s knife in a bid to get rid of the ticking time bomb of cancer.
At a time of year when people take stock of their lives, the Drumnadrochit 36-year-old is preparing for the future by undergoing two radical procedures.
She has taken the decision to undergo a double mastectomy after learning she carries the BRCA1 gene which increases her risk of developing breast cancer. She will also have her ovaries removed.
Ms Curry, who has beaten the disease once, is following in the footsteps of women such as Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and BBC Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan.
Motivated by a desire to be around for her sons, Jake (10) and Rhys (4), she insisted it was not a difficult decision.
"I am only 36," said the determined single mum of Kilmore Road. "I don’t want to live life thinking that every complaint I have got could be cancer — if I have a sore head, for example, could that be a brain tumour?
"I don’t want to live that way any more. I do everything for my children. I want to be here. I want to watch them grow up."
The initial diagnosis that she had an aggressive form of cancer came out of the blue nearly three years ago. After hearing her ex-partner’s mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she checked herself for the first time and discovered a lump which was subsequently removed. She then underwent chemotherapy which resulted in her losing her hair.
There was a further blow when her father Stanley Curry, who retired to Spain, was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to a kidney although he has now recovered following successful treatment.
When Ms Curry finished her treatment in December 2012, she decided she would eventually undergo a double mastectomy.
"When I finished my treatment, I said I would take time out just living rather than focusing on appointments and operations," she said. "I am ready for it now."
Ms Curry will have her surgery next week when the two surgeons carrying out her operation available.
It is expected to last between four and six hours and if all goes according to plan, she will remain in hospital for up to seven days. In total, her recovery should take about six weeks.
"I don’t feel nervous although I might do on the day," said Ms Curry who has opted against reconstructive surgery.
"I am going to live flat-chested. I don’t want reconstruction. I don’t want implants. I just want them off — it is like a ticking time bomb."
She is confident that prosthetics will be suitable for when she wants to go out, or swimming.
Ms Curry is also philosophical about having her ovaries removed and the obvious implications on any future wishes to have more children.
"They have offered to freeze my eggs and all that nonsense," she said. "But I have two healthy boys. I am very focused on what I have rather than what I don’t have."
She is at a loss to explain her positive outlook. "I have never cried about it," she said. "I must be one of those strong-willed people.
"Also, as a single mum, I will do anything for my boys. I owe it to them – I am their mother. They need me as much as I need them."
She said her mother Sharon, who lives nearby in Balmacaan Road, had also been a huge support.
Following her recovery, Ms Curry hopes to take part in the Inverness Race for Life for the third time to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
She has raised about £1000 so far and instead of sending Christmas cards this year, she donated £50 to the charity.
