A BRAVE mum has told how she was left fearing a double cancer diagnosis as she prepared to celebrate a milestone birthday on the other side of the world.

Liz MacKenzie was preparing for a dream trip to Vietnam to mark turning 50 when doctors delivered the crushing news that she had breast cancer.

The announcement came as a huge shock to the mum-of-two – who had also been told she had a tumour on her thyroid only days before.

Liz said: “I discovered on the day I received my letter with the date for my throat surgery that I had breast cancer.” The teacher, who owns Bathroom Elegance in Greenock with her husband Alister, added: “I felt fear and relief because you know something is wrong.

“I had the tumour on my thyroid first, but the one thing I must mention is that I had a burning pain in my breast which alerted me that something else was seriously wrong.

“It was a stabbing pain which kept me up during the night.

“Looking back now that discomfort saved my life, as this particular form of cancer is very aggressive. If it had spread to my lymph nodes and got into my blood stream, I don’t think I would be here today. That fact has given me a positive outlook because I know I’m so lucky just to still be here.” Liz is now halfway through gruelling treatment which, while difficult and testing, is something she is bravely coping with.

She said: “I count myself as fortunate that doctors gave me a good prognosis. It was an aggressive form of breast cancer called Triple Negative which means it is not relying on hormones to survive and can spread very quickly. But the fact it was caught so early saved my life.” Days after her mastectomy, Liz underwent surgery to remove the tumour from her thyroid, which turned out to be benign.

Rather than jetting of to Vietnam to mark turning 50, Liz and her family are instead celebrating at a bash for charity tonight.

She said: “Obviously my diagnosis meant we had to cancel the holiday, but this evening will be an even better way to do celebrate.” Liz has a daughter Fiona, 24, and son Stuart, 20, and says her family, especially her husband, have been a fantastic support.

She added: “I’m very proud of Alister, Fiona and Stuart — it as been overwhelming solidarity.

“The four of us were going to get through it together and my husband has been a rock.

“My daughter is a medical student in Aberdeen and she was in the middle of her exams.

We’re both delighted how mature they’ve both been.” Around 100 guests are expected at the party, which is being held in the grounds of the couple’s house in Langhouse Road in Inverkip.

Her husband is paying for the event so all the money raised will go to charity.

She said: “I’ve never had a birthday party before but I’m going to make this one count. The level of support from friends and family has been so humbling and people have worked together to make this event happen.” Liz’s colleagues at Clydeview Academy have also pitched to help with the party plans, where they will be a marquee, canapes and pink and orange cocktails and games, including a breast cancer awareness section to provide a bit of humour to a serious issue. There will also be live entertainment from the Wherries and a disco into the wee small hours.

Money raised will go to Breast Cancer Care and Ardgowan Hospice, with all monies raised to be matched by Santander branches in Greenock and Largs.

Liz would also like to pass thanks to the Wherries for playing free of charge and Ardgowan Parish Church Boys Brigade for providing the marquee.

Her friend Bruce Watson is working in Chad in Africa so couldn’t be there but in planning to have his head shaved today to raise funds.

Anyone who wants to contribute can visit www.justgiving.com/Liz-MacKenzie1/