From a young age I knew all about cancer, my mother died at 29yrs old from breast cancer I just 5yrs old. It made me and my sisters very aware of it, so when I found my lump at 25yrs old I knew straight away and went to the doctor the next day and got referred to belfast city hospital where I spent 3hrs getting tests done and finally on 16th january 2012 I was diagnosed with 3rd stage aggressive breast cancer. I have 3 young children just like my mum but I remained positive and went for surgery after 1st surgery I needed more as they found it had sprend which knocked me abit but then I got it and went for 6months of chemo which was hell hated the needles the sickens missing out on things with my kids cuz I was so ill but finally finished that and started 4wks of radiotherapy til I finally was told I was finished treatment exactly one week from Christmas. But on 3rd January my birthday I received a letter saying im a brca 1 gene carrier, I was upset as ive a 90% chance of getting cancer, but on the plus side I get alot more check ups and therapist for more surgery and family members where able to be tested aswel. Im still waiting for more surgery which will reduce my % of getting cancer again which will be relief. Im 28yrs old now and been cancer free for 2yrs now

Jodie Mcauley
belfast, Ireland