Hi, My name is Patricia Dillon. Tomorrow is my 48th birthday and I wish to share my story in the hope that it will inspire men and women who are diagnosed with this disease to remain positive and hopeful. I was diagnosed with a grade three breast cancer in 2001 at the age of 38, The news was devastating. I am mother to five daughters. At the time of my diagnosis my youngesy child was 18 months old. I had surgery in August 2001. There was some spread to the lymph nodes in the axilla and I was advised to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy during the year which followed. My mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer twenty years previously and had remained strong and resilient. S he is now 81 and celebrates her Golden wedding anniversary this week. She kept me focussed during the treatment and was my inspiration. Two weeks after my surgery I started a teacher training course at my local college and continued to study throughout my treatment. This was a necessary diversion for me and a goal for the end of my treatment. I passed my course and went on to study for my cert ed. I now work full time in my local primary school. Breast cancer is no longer always a death sentence. I was lucky and appreciate that every day. I now have two beautiful grandchildren and a totally different outlook on life. I know that the battle is hard and the fear is immense but I also know that there is hope. I fully understand the need for early detection and treatment. I lost my dear cousin and friend to this disease last year at the age of forty four. I applaud your efforts and fully support you. Trish Dillon (Keighley).

Patricia Dillon
Keighley, United Kingdom