My Story

19-09-2007

My journey started in October 2001 when I was diagnosed with grade III invasive breast cancer. Its from this time forward that my life was going to change in all respects. I knew that it was not going to be an easy time for me or my family as there were going to be lots of decisions to make, hurdles to overcome but most importantly I had to survive even though deep down I was fearful and uncertain of the future. I had to go through 10 months of treatment, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I went through the whole process and received good hospital care in order to give myself the best possible chance of survival. However, mentally and emotionally I struggled as did my family. There was no support, my family did not understand how I was feeling, how could they? They were in a turmoil themselves. Unfortunately there was no support group available for us to turn to at the time. So we just coped the best we could. I heard about PCRF through Amber and felt this was an opportunity for me to get involved by turning my experience into something positive by making a contribution in helping other patients and highlighting the problems and issues cancer patients and their families encounter. I know that a support group is absolutely vital, it can make a big difference to a patient's recovery. PCRF is a huge part of my life. On reflecting over the past 4 years I have come a long way with the involvement and support I have received, I have become a much stronger and determined individual, I treasure each and every day and don't plan too far ahead. My life has been enriched with having met some wonderful and brave people along the way. I feel very humble and fortunate to be able to put my experience into words and hope that it will be of some help to others.





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