Boxing day 2007, I was having a shower before going to my mums when I felt a lump the size of a golf ball, it didn't worry me though I just thought, Cyst. I saw the doctor in the new year and she sorted out for a scan, just to be sure.8th January 2008 I had a mammogram and ultra sound, this was when I knew it wasn't a cyst, they called for a doctor to take a biopsy and then started with the questions, it wasn't the type of questions but the way they were asking them. I just knew cancer. I went back a week later, 15th January, Tuesday and had it confirmed I would need a mastectomy, I was 38.
The worst part was telling my sons, Adam 16 (the day after my op) and Lee 9. My motto in life has always been 'What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger' and I truly do believe that. The team that I was under in hospital were so supportive and kind that it maddens me when anybody disrespects the NHS, even if I had gone private I wouldn't have had better care. I endured 6 months of chemo and fortunately had a good support group with my family and friends. It has been 2 years and thankfully I am still clear. Now I always tell my friends, no matter their age, to check themselves at least once a month, thankfully I did and I'm still here to see my boys grow up.
Manchester, United Kingdom