The wife of Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fiona Lochhead spent the weekend recovering at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after a five-hour operation to remove a tumour.
The mum-of-two was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease on October 1 after discovering a lump while she was in the shower.
She was back home in Elgin last night with the Scottish Government minister husband and their sons Angus, 12, and Fraser, seven.
And the 43-year-old said she had decided to talk openly about her illness to try to help other women.
She said: “I have decided to make this private matter public because I want to highlight the importance of checking your breasts for the early signs of breast cancer.
“I did not do this on a regular basis and it is not a lump I would have missed if I had just checked my breasts, but I didn’t and I have to live with that.
“I feel foolish, guilty and so frustrated with myself.
“Women under the age of 50 do not generally get screening for breast cancer, reflecting the fact that most women are diagnosed after this age.
“However, if, like me, you are unlucky enough to develop cancer before that age, then the only way that cancer will be detected is by checking your breasts for lumps and changes.
“An early intervention is literally in your own hands.”
Mrs Lochhead will now rest for several weeks before beginning an intensive five-month course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The primary school teacher added: “I have had excellent care from NHS professionals and cancer charities from the very beginning.
“They do great work and I will be grateful to them forever.
“I am recovering well and am overwhelmed by the care and compassion shown to me at ARI and by the many messages of support from friends, family and beyond.
“I want women to check their breasts after reading my story. I hope they do, and make it a lifelong habit.”
Environment Secretary Mr Lochhead said he was “proud” of his wife of 13 years.
He said: “From day one, she was adamant that she wants to get the message across to other women as to why they should check themselves regularly.
“As a family, we have received huge support from our family, friends, the NHS and breast cancer charities and we’re very grateful to them all.”