Meet Darina O’Grady

The wonderful Darina O’Grady tells us of her Breast Cancer diagnosis during COVID.

My name is Darina O’Grady. I am 38 years of age with a supportive husband, three remarkable children, and a full-time job. 2020 was a difficult chapter in my life for more than one reason. The bank holiday weekend in May 2020 was to be a memorable and special time for my family. This was the weekend that my only daughter, our eldest child, would receive her First Holy Communion. Understandably, due to the Covid19 pandemic and circumstances beyond our control, it was cancelled. Although we suffered great disappointment as a result, I was not prepared for the bombshell that was to visit us that very same weekend.
Friday night, 1st May 2020, having arrived home from work, I began the routine task of getting myself organised for bed. In doing so, to my horror, I discovered a small lump on my right breast. I remember a feeling of panic coming over me along with a sudden rush of fear. I knew something was not right and that urgent further investigation would be required. Following a consultation with my G.P the following Monday, an immediate appointment was facilitated with Prof Michael Kerin – Consultant Breast Surgeon, at the Bon Secours Hospital, Galway. Following a mammogram, an ultrasound and two biopsies I was diagnosed with Grade3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, positive with both Oestrogen and HER 2 protein. I had Breast Cancer…and so my Breast Cancer journey began.
Within two weeks, at the end of May, I started Chemotherapy treatment. This entailed 6 cycles of chemo given every three weeks over a period of eighteen weeks. Following my Chemotherapy, in September 2020 I underwent Lumpectomy Surgery and as a result of breast conservation surgery, only a portion of my breast had to be removed. In October 2020, a second lumpectomy resulted in a positive outcome for me – I was now cancer free.
It is now January 2021 and I have just started radiotherapy treatment that will continue over a four-week period. I have been advised that this will result in a lesser chance that my cancer will return in the future.
On the 29th of September 2020, I turned 38. Following on from the exceptional professionalism both I and my husband experienced, along with the rapid treatment I encountered, I wanted to give something back. I used the occasion of my birthday to begin a fundraising campaign on Facebook. I wanted to raise awareness and highlight the importance of the research and work carried out by the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, something that has become important to me. Having set a target of €200 I ultimately raised €5,122 through the generous donations of my family, friends and work colleagues. A small gesture for a significant organisation that has helped save so many lives.

Thank you so much to Darina and her family for sharing her story. If you think you can help the National Breast Cancer Research Institute call us on 091 863917 or Email at [email protected]