Rachel Borthwick, partner of St Johnstone midfielder Graham Carey, has shared incredibly encouraging news regarding her ongoing battle with cancer. In a recent social media post, she revealed that following specialized treatment in Germany, she currently has no active cancer in her body.
This positive development comes after a challenging period for Rachel, who was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Since then, she has faced the disease’s recurrence on multiple occasions, most recently in December when scans revealed three new areas of concern in her back muscle. This led her to seek treatment abroad, and her determination to explore all available options has paid off with this latest optimistic update. A Journey of Courage and Hope
Rachel’s journey has been one of remarkable resilience and determination. Her willingness to travel to Germany for a procedure known as microwave ablation, a minimally invasive technique used to target and destroy tumors with heat, demonstrates her proactive approach to her health. She described the procedure, performed on a small tumor on her right lung, as involving some pressure but being largely pain-free thanks to the effectiveness of the anaesthesia administered. She even lightheartedly recounted how the medical team commended her bravery, a compliment that she found amusing considering the level of anaesthesia used.
While the recent MRI scan confirms the absence of active cancer, Rachel acknowledges that some tumors remain visible, albeit in a “sleeping” state. This underscores the ongoing nature of her health journey and the importance of continued monitoring and potential future treatments. Facing Ongoing Challenges and Seeking New Therapies
Despite the positive news, Rachel also shared the continued difficulties she faces. She candidly discussed the impact of the targeted chemotherapy she has received, noting that its effect on her hair has been more pronounced than she had anticipated during previous intravenous chemotherapy. She explained the hair loss has negatively affected her mental health, adding another layer of complexity to her experience.
Looking forward, Rachel plans to continue regular scans in Germany every three months and is currently investigating a dendritic cell vaccine in Munich to further bolster her immune system’s ability to combat the disease. This innovative therapy, focusing on training the immune system to specifically recognize and attack cancer cells, represents another step in her proactive approach to her health.
Throughout her cancer journey, Rachel has been open about her experiences, using social media to share updates and connect with a supportive network. Her honest reflections on the emotional and physical challenges of living with cancer, coupled with her unwavering commitment to finding and pursuing treatment options, have resonated deeply with the community.
Rachel expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received, acknowledging the significant financial contributions that have made her pursuit of these therapies possible. She emphasized that the fight isn’t just for herself but for her children, reinforcing the powerful motivation behind her unwavering dedication to her health.
As Rachel continues on this journey, her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of hope, resilience, and community support in the face of adversity. Her connection to the local football community through Graham Carey’s role at St Johnstone further strengthens the bond between her experience and the people of Perth and Kinross, making her updates all the more relevant and impactful for a local audience.
This positive development comes after a challenging period for Rachel, who was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Since then, she has faced the disease’s recurrence on multiple occasions, most recently in December when scans revealed three new areas of concern in her back muscle. This led her to seek treatment abroad, and her determination to explore all available options has paid off with this latest optimistic update. A Journey of Courage and Hope
Rachel’s journey has been one of remarkable resilience and determination. Her willingness to travel to Germany for a procedure known as microwave ablation, a minimally invasive technique used to target and destroy tumors with heat, demonstrates her proactive approach to her health. She described the procedure, performed on a small tumor on her right lung, as involving some pressure but being largely pain-free thanks to the effectiveness of the anaesthesia administered. She even lightheartedly recounted how the medical team commended her bravery, a compliment that she found amusing considering the level of anaesthesia used.
While the recent MRI scan confirms the absence of active cancer, Rachel acknowledges that some tumors remain visible, albeit in a “sleeping” state. This underscores the ongoing nature of her health journey and the importance of continued monitoring and potential future treatments. Facing Ongoing Challenges and Seeking New Therapies
Despite the positive news, Rachel also shared the continued difficulties she faces. She candidly discussed the impact of the targeted chemotherapy she has received, noting that its effect on her hair has been more pronounced than she had anticipated during previous intravenous chemotherapy. She explained the hair loss has negatively affected her mental health, adding another layer of complexity to her experience.
Looking forward, Rachel plans to continue regular scans in Germany every three months and is currently investigating a dendritic cell vaccine in Munich to further bolster her immune system’s ability to combat the disease. This innovative therapy, focusing on training the immune system to specifically recognize and attack cancer cells, represents another step in her proactive approach to her health.
Throughout her cancer journey, Rachel has been open about her experiences, using social media to share updates and connect with a supportive network. Her honest reflections on the emotional and physical challenges of living with cancer, coupled with her unwavering commitment to finding and pursuing treatment options, have resonated deeply with the community.
Rachel expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received, acknowledging the significant financial contributions that have made her pursuit of these therapies possible. She emphasized that the fight isn’t just for herself but for her children, reinforcing the powerful motivation behind her unwavering dedication to her health.
As Rachel continues on this journey, her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of hope, resilience, and community support in the face of adversity. Her connection to the local football community through Graham Carey’s role at St Johnstone further strengthens the bond between her experience and the people of Perth and Kinross, making her updates all the more relevant and impactful for a local audience.