Just as life was getting less complicated after the break up of my relationship, looking after my father during his last years and down sizing my home to a 2 bedroom Victorian cottage (which I loved) I had a mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a masectomy and reconstruction with the best support from Southend Hospital (Laura) and Broomfield Hospital (Miss Shaw) wonderful support from my children and ex husband and his wife without I do not think I could have coped. Now 7 years later I have a wonderful life having met and married a wonderful man John and together moved to Clacton on Sea to retire. Cancer is not the end, but the beginning of appreciating everything life has to offer you, and meeting very special caring people.

Patricia Phillips (Franklin)
Clacton on Sea, United Kingdom