Latest news with #Rhona
Daily Record
11-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inseparable twin sisters diagnosed with same cancer weeks apart
The sisters, one of which lives in Scotland, were diagnosed with cancer just six weeks apart Twin sisters, who are inseparable, were diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other. Amanda Mcinulty and Rhona Buchanan, both 51, received the devastating cancer news just six weeks apart. Earlier this year in January, Rhona noticed something was amiss with her left breast. Rhona shared the news of her breast cancer diagnosis with Amanda via FaceTime, prompting Amanda to get herself checked as well. Merely six weeks after Rhonda's diagnosis, Amanda discovered she too had breast cancer. In recent months, both sisters have undergone mastectomies on their left breasts. They joined forces on TikTok to raise awareness about cancer following their surgeries. Amanda resides in Burton-on-Trent while Rhona lives in central Scotland. Amanda said: "It has been an emotional journey for ourselves and our family and friends. With us being so close we have been able to support each other. And I think it has actually brought us closer." Rhona added: "I appreciate the time that we spend together more." Born just 14 minutes apart, the "inseparable" identical twins each have a son and a daughter, and they both became grandmothers to two boys. Amanda relocated to Burton-on-Trent thirty years ago, but the sisters seize every opportunity to meet up. Amanda said: "We have always been close. We have never had a bad word to say about each other. "I moved down south but we take every opportunity to meet up. We have a caravan in Carlisle it is quite a good central spot for us to meet up." Rhona first spotted a change in her left breast in January 2025, which led her to book an appointment with her GP. She was then sent to the breast clinic for an ultrasound and mammogram. Recalling when she noticed something wrong, she said: "I had noticed a change in my left breast - there was a dimpling. The doctor referred me to the breast clinic and after a mammogram and an ultrasound they said it was likely to be breast cancer." "It was confirmed in the end of April when they said I had invasive lobular cancer. They thought it was multiple tumours, but after a surgery they confirmed it was just one large tumour I had," Rhona added. Amanda quickly decided to head back south for a mammogram screening and received a callback and a letter requesting her return for additional tests where she underwent a mammogram and an ultrasound. However, six weeks later she was told she had breast cancer. Rhona said: "Amanda went back to her appointment and the same thing happened. She Facetimed me from the hospital car park and told me she had breast cancer." Amanda said the sisters "could not believe" what was happening and that it was "ironic" that the cancer was also in the left breast. She said: "I had no symptoms. It was just your routine breast screening after you're age 50 you get invited for breast screening and that's where it was picked up. "I just thought I was double-checking that everything was alright and for that to happen to me it was just unbelievable." Amanda's tumour was diagnosed as invasive ductal cancer and she was offered a lumpectomy but opted for a complete mastectomy instead. Rhona finished radiotherapy several weeks ago and is taking a hormone medication called tamoxifen for 10 years. With Amanda, because she detected the cancer early, medics managed to eliminate the disease and she doesn't require radiotherapy or additional treatment. Amanda said: "It has been an emotional journey for ourselves and our family and friends. "We being so close we have been able to support each other. I think it has actually brought us closer." Rhona added: "I appreciate the time that we spend together more." The twins have even launched their own TikTok page where they document their cancer experiences on TikTok. They have had numerous people contacting them seeking guidance on breast cancer - including school pals that they haven't seen for years. Thousands of views have been racked up on the sisters' account @twintides0. Rhona said: "I was at Amanda's and I think we were having a conversation about how unique it is the fact that the two of us have got breast cancer within two weeks of each other. "We were encouraged by Amanda's husband and our son and daughter to documenting our journey in TikTok. We just try to be our authentic selves and just getting our message across." Amanda added: "We have got friends and family both in England and Scotland and it was a way for both of us share what was going on without directly talking to them. "Rhona is the brains behind it. It has been a positive experience all around really just an act to take our minds off what's been happening. It has been something we can actually do together which has been fun."
Daily Record
11-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inseparable twin sisters diagnosed with breast cancer just six weeks apart
"I just thought I was double-checking that everything was alright and for that to happen to me it was just unbelievable." Inseparable twin sisters have been diagnosed with breast cancer - within weeks of each other. Scottish sisters Amanda Mcinulty and Rhona Buchanan, 51, received the tragic news just six weeks apart from each other. In January this year Rhona started noticing that something wasn't right with her left breast. Rhona broke the news to Amanda that she had breast cancer on FaceTime and she realised it was best if she get checked out too. Just six weeks after Rhonda's diagnosis, Amanda revealed she also had breast cancer. In recent months both have undergone mastectomies on their left breasts. They teamed up on TikTok to raise cancer awareness after both undergoing mastectomies. Amanda lives in in Burton-on-Trent and Rhona Buchanan in central Scotland. Amanda said: "It has been an emotional journey for ourselves and our family and friends. "With us being so close we have been able to support each other. And I think it has actually brought us closer." Rhona added: "I appreciate the time that we spend together more." Born just 14 minutes apart, the "inseparable" identical twins each have a son and a daughter, and even became grandmothers to two boys born. Thirty years ago Amanda moved to Burton-on-Trent but the sisters take every opportunity to meet up. Amanda said: "We have always been close. We have never had a bad word to say about each other. "I moved down south but we take every opportunity to meet up. We have a caravan in Carlisle it is quite a good central spot for us to meet up." Rhona first noticed a change in her left breast in January 2025, which prompted her to visit her GP. She was then referred to the breast clinic to undergo an ultrasound and mammogram. Rhona said: "I had noticed a change in my left breast - there was a dimpling. The doctor referred me to the breast clinic and after a mammogram and a ultrasound they said it was likely to be breast cancer. "It was confirmed in the end of April when they said I had invasive lobular cancer. They thought it was multiple tumours but after a surgery they confirmed it was just one large tumour I had." The shocking news was delivered to Amanda over FaceTime - who travelled to Scotland to support her sister. Amanda soon decided return south to do a mammogram screening. She got a call back and a letter asking to go back to some further tests where she did a mammogram and an ultrasound. But six weeks later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rhona said: "Amanda went back to her appointment and the same thing happened. She Facetimed me from the hospital car park and told me she had breast cancer." Amanda said the sisters "could not believe" what was happening and that it was "ironic" that the cancer was also in the left breast. She said: "I had no symptoms. It was just your routine breast screening after you're age 50 you get invited for breast screening and that's where it was picked up. "I just thought I was double-checking that everything was alright and for that to happen to me it was just unbelievable." Amanda's cancer was identified as invasive ductal cancer. She was offered a lumpectomy but chose a full mastectomy instead. Rhona completed radiotherapy a few weeks ago and she is on a hormone tablet called tamoxifen for 10 years. With Amanda because she caught the cancer early the doctors managed to remove the cancer and she doesn't need radiotherapy or further treatment. Amanda said: "It has been an emotional journey for ourselves and our family and friends. "We being so close we have been able to support each other. I think it has actually bringing us closer." Rhona added: "I appreciate the time that we spend together more." The twins have even set up their own TikTok account where they share their cancer journeys on TikTok. They have had many people reaching out to them asking for advice on breast cancer - including school friends that they have not seen for years. Thousands of views have been amounted in the sisters account @twintides0. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Rhona said: "I was at Amanda's and I think we were having a conversation about how unique it is the fact that the two of us have got breast cancer within two weeks of each other. "We were encouraged by Amanda's husband and our son and daughter to documenting our journey in TikTok. We just try to be our authentic selves and just getting our message across." Amanda added: "We have got friends and family both in England and Scotland and it was a way for both of us share what was going on without directly talking to them. Rhona is the brain's behind it. "It has been a positive experience all around really just an act to take our minds off what's been happening. It has been something we can actually do together which has been fun."
STV News
07-08-2025
- Health
- STV News
Twins diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other
Identical twin sisters diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other say they want to inspire others by sharing their journey on TikTok. Amanda Mcinulty and Rhona Buchanan, now 51, have shared similar life experiences despite spending the past three decades separated by 300 miles. Born just 14 minutes apart, the twins each have a son and a daughter, and even became grandmothers to two boys born within two weeks of each other. They describe themselves as 'absolutely inseparable,' keeping in close contact through daily calls and even claiming to share 'sympathy pains.' STV News Amanda and Rhona have been 'inseparable' since they were children 'When Amanda's eldest daughter was born, I went to bed, turned out the light and had this almighty pain in my stomach,' Rhona recalled. 'I phoned her and she confirmed her waters had broken and she was heading into the hospital.' Amanda added: 'When I was five and my appendix burst, Rhona actually got taken into the hospital with sympathy pains. She didn't want to miss out on the action, clearly.' 'She knows me more than I know myself, I think… Is that a bad thing?!' Rhona first noticed a change in her left breast in January 2025, which prompted her to visit her GP. Supplied Rhona, following her mastectomy 'It was a kind of dimpling above my left nipple. The doctor initially couldn't see anything but I didn't think it was sinister.' In April, Rhona was referred to the breast clinic to undergo an ultrasound and mammogram. She realised something wasn't right during the tests. 'It was taking a wee bit of time and I realised 'this is taking longer than it should be.' He was taking lots of pictures, asked for a pen to mark different locations. 'Then he said, 'look give me five minutes and I'll explain what I've seen.' And I knew. I began to shake.' STV News Amanda chose to undergo a full mastectomy Scans revealed multiple tumours in Rhona's breast, which led to her being diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer. The devastating news was delivered to Amanda – who lives in the Midlands – over FaceTime. 'I had a breast screening letter sitting by my work computer for months,' Amanda admitted. 'I had no symptoms, no issues. But after Rhona's diagnosis, I thought, 'I might as well book it.'' 'I decided there and then, I might as well make the appointment.' She spent several weeks in Scotland supporting her sister, but returned south for her own screening – where she, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer just six weeks later. 'I thought, 'how ironic.' I told them my twin sister has just had her left breast removed. I couldn't believe it.' Amanda's cancer was identified as invasive ductal cancer. She was offered a lumpectomy but chose a full mastectomy instead. STV News Rhona and Amanda have been filming TikToks to raise awareness of breast cancer In recent months, both have undergone mastectomies. Amanda was given the option for a lumpectomy to conserve part of her breast, but she opted to have it fully removed. 'I thought it was the best option – and I'm really glad I chose it,' she said. 'We feel empowered by it – it's the new us.' Rhona has completed radiotherapy and will be on tamoxifen for the next 10 years, while Amanda is currently awaiting pathology results to determine her next course of treatment. Both women admit the experience has been emotionally and physically challenging. 'I had that 'why me' moment – everyone diagnosed with cancer would have that moment,' Rhona said. 'But for someone to be there knowing what I'm going through, the same emotions…Amanda can now ask me, is this normal? 'She's seen me at my lowest, trying to get pain under control. She was aware there were going to be days like that.' Amanda added: 'I had no symptoms at all. You don't realise how important checking is until something like this happens. My cancer was quite far down, I wouldn't have been able to feel a lump.' The twins are now awaiting blood test results to see what insights they might provide for their daughters, and researchers are interested in studying their genetic links to cancer. Amanda said: 'I think knowledge is power. You don't think it's going to happen to you; six months we didn't know, now our lives are completely different.' STV News Amanda and Rhona with their husbands and grandchildren Rhona added: 'It's not just for our daughters, it's for other family members, siblings and grandkids. 'We've been through something awful, but it's brought us closer together.' The sisters have been spending time together sharing their cancer journeys on TikTok. Rhona said: 'It has helped take our minds off it. It has been a bit of fun and a good laugh, the outtakes are hilarious! 'We've got over 1,000 followers now… We were glad when we had 100 followers! It's spiralled from there.' Their videos have reached people from across the world from the US to Sweden, with followers sharing stories of their own experiences. Rhona said: 'We have shown our scars to our friends. We're making people aware that 'it's not bad, you get it removed' and you do kind of feel empowered by that.' 'We don't know what's around the corner, but we're taking the positives from it,' Amanda added. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Just what he didn't need: to be insulted by passing traffic
Unsurprisingly Rhona wanted to broadcast her good news to the world, or at least tell her chums that she was going to the shimmering shindig. Rhona tells the Diary: 'My best friend was suitably impressed when I told her I was going… until she discovered that I would be one of 800 guests.' 'Oh,' said the chum, struggling to hide her disappointment. 'I thought it would just be you and the King, plus a slice of sponge cake.' Fake Frenchman Well-travelled Aberdonian Tony Marshall has lived in many of the great cities of the world, and is currently based in London, which isn't too far from Scotia. Even so, he finds that the locals of that great city don't know much about his home country. 'You're from Scotland?' one of his work colleagues said, 'so you must be well knowledgeable in everything garlic.' 'Garlic?' said Tony, who could only imagine that the colleague mistook him for a sophisticated Parisian, for the French nation is famous for using garlic to season their flavoursome scoff. 'Yes, yes,' continued the colleague. 'Garlic. Do you speak garlic?' The chap was talking about Gaelic, which is a language, of course, and one that is seldom used in the preparation of frogs legs. Flight of fancy Confused Martin Simpson asks: 'Why are so many new TV shows about pilots?' No can do Nostalgic reader Linda Mumford was telling her seven-year-old grandson about the games she played with her pals as a young child. At one point she mentioned how much she loved a popular pastime of the era called Kick the Can. 'Kick the can?' repeated her outraged grandson, before adding: 'What did the can ever do to you?' Cutting comment Deciding to smarten up his appearance, reader Dan Buckley took himself to the local barbers. On returning home his wife scrutinised him, then suspiciously said: 'You had a haircut?' Dan conceded that this was, indeed, the case, leading his wife to say: 'Very… um… very n… very neat.' This was not the response Dan was looking for. 'When she got to the letter 'n',' he tells us, 'I was sort of hoping it would be followed by '…ice', as in 'nice'. Alas, this was not to be.' Brought to book Bibliophile Doreen Williams told a Waterstone's assistant she wanted Hugh Laurie's autobiography. "Certainly,' he replied. 'Would you like Fry's with that?'
Edinburgh Reporter
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Art show at the Commie
Visual artist Rhona Taylor will present an exhibition Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool's café from 6-22 June 2025, as part of the Architecture Fringe festival. The exhibition will display original prints showing the architectural and social significance of one of Edinburgh's public spaces. Immersive features a collection of original prints by Ms Taylor examining the Royal Commonwealth Pool's role as both an architectural landmark and a community hub. The exhibition is part of the artist's broader research project examining swimming pools as social, public and cultural spaces, with particular focus on their architecture, history, and contemporary uses. Rhona said: 'The prints in Immersive have developed from research into the building, its development, and its changing use since it was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games. I love swimming in the Commie, so it's been great fun digging into the archives to find out more about some of the things that went on behind the scenes when it was built.' The exhibition is presented in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, which operates the Royal Commonwealth Pool for the council. This collaboration highlights the organisation's commitment to supporting arts and culture within the community spaces they manage. Ed Bethune, Operations Manager at the Royal Commonwealth Pool said: 'We're delighted to partner with Rhona Taylor for this fascinating exploration of our building and its place in Edinburgh's cultural landscape. The Royal Commonwealth Pool has been serving our community for over 50 years, and it's wonderful to see an artist capture both its architectural significance and its ongoing role as a space where people come together for health, recreation, and community connection.' The Architecture Fringe, from 6-22 June, will look at the intersection of architecture, design, and public space across Edinburgh, and Rhona Taylor's exhibition fits perfectly in the framework. Rhona is a visual artist based in Edinburgh whose studio practice encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and installations. She is a member of Edinburgh Printmakers, where she creates her screenprints. Her current research focuses on swimming pools as social, public and cultural spaces in Scotland and internationally. The exhibition is supported by Edinburgh Leisure, Creative Scotland, and The City of Edinburgh Council through the Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards (VACMA) Edinburgh. Immersive: Exploring the Commie Pool The Royal Commonwealth Pool café 21 Dalkeith Road EH16 5BB Artist Rhona Taylor with some of her work PHOTO Greg Macvean Like this: Like Related
