Life was good when I started attending my GP due to a slight discomfort in my left breast. My GP was sure that it was just hormonal as no lump could be found so was told to take evening primrose oil and come back if I was still worried. Six months later a mamogrm found a lump and after biopsy and a lumpectomy was told that I had Grade 3 agressive cancer and needed a mastectomy with all lymph nodes remove followed with 6 month chemotherapy and 4 weeks radiotherapy. I felt my world had just stopped and the thought of my hair falling out was the worst thing for me. I was only 43 with 3 children 17, 11 and 6. I had a good job with British Airways as cabin crew I kept well was active never smoked or drank any alcohol. there was no history of cancer in my family, I breast fed my babies so I thought why me what have I done to deserve this. I had two choices curl up and dye or get on with it. I did not have to think much about it I wanted to see my children get married be a granny and carry on enjoying life.I went in to have the surgery in may 2007 I deceided not to have reconstruction at the same time as I just wanted my chemotherapy to start as soon as possible. I would think about the reconstruction at a later date. The surgery went well and with the support of my husband, mum and my good friend elaine I managed to recover fairly quickly. My Chemo started in june for six months and then a four week course of radiotherapy. It was tough but I got through it and have moved on.

Gillian Welsh
Glasgow, United Kingdom