Hi, My name is Joanne Bridgeman and Im 51 years of age and was diagnosed with a very large breast cancer tumour in 2003, which was hormone positive and also HER2 positive (although I didnt know this at the time) I had a lumpectomy, followed by strong chemo and radiotherapy. The cancer had spread to 5 out of 15 lymph glands under my arm which were all removed. I was put on Tamoxifen. Two years later, after suffering agony in my hip for a month or so and various trips to the doctors, I fell at home and couldnt get up. I later found out in hospital I had broken my femur due to the cancer having spread there. It had also spread to my spine. After having a hip replacement, followed by more chemo and radiotherapy, although the cancer is still there and incurable, I am still going strong on Herceptin, Zometa and Armidex 8 years on with no sign of any more spread apart from what is already there. I was also born with a cleft lip and palate and am now undergoing more jaw surgery to correct the deformity and to improve my appearance. The treatment which is out there these days is 2nd to none and I cant thank the people in the chemo dept in my local hospital enough for all their kindness.

Joanne Bridgeman
Rugeley, United Kingdom