My name is Mandi McSwiggan, I am 37 years old and live with my partner Matthew and we have a 10 month old daughter, Violet.
My sisters Susan Chappin and Christine Creasy who are also taking part in this calendar (family history explained by Susan Chappin) know how hard it is to watch the ones we love endure so much suffering and pain because of this awful disease and even though the genetic tests were inconclusive I did not have to think twice about saying yes to the bi-lateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Mr Gui and his team at the Royal Marsden have been fantastic. I have only been through the first stages of my reconstruction because I fell pregnant, and even though the blood flow was reduced to my nipples which resulted in having to have them removed I have not once regretted my decision and I am now looking forward to getting my reconstruction completed.
We are all faced with difficult decisions and unwanted obstacles in life but I feel a huge one has been removed from mine and I can get on with enjoying life!
