Fans boost Kylie as surgery nears
Kylie Minogue is due to have surgery today. The singer, who two days ago revealed she has breast cancer, will be treated at the private Cabrini hospital in Melbourne.
Surgeons are likely to start with an exploratory operation to determine whether the cancer has spread. They may then decide to perform a lumpectomy, removing the tumour.
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy could follow. Miss Minogue, who has spoken of her desire to have children, could face fertility problems afterwards.
The 36-year-old singer, who lives in London, discovered she had cancer two days before she was due to start the Australian leg of her Showgirl tour. She was on a short break with her boyfriend, French actor Olivier Matinez, and her parents.
Yesterday fans worldwide sent her messages of support. Flowers and cards were left outside her family home in Melbourne and the hospital. Her website was so overloaded it closed temporarily.
Australian prime minister John Howard spoke of the country's sadness, adding: 'A young woman, Kylie Minogue, any woman of that young age to be diagnosed with that condition - it does send a shudder through you.'
