I think the greatest fear for everyone is the thought of becoming ill and even worse if you are told you have cancer.  To deal with both is life changing and I would like to tell you my story.

In November 2012 I found a lump in my left breast but like most people I chose to leave it although I was aware of its existence.  The lump got slightly bigger so I spoke to a friend and she advised me to go to the. Doctor which I did.  He referred me to Basingstoke Hospital and my appointment came through for two weeks later. So my friend and I drove there expecting just to have a routine mammogram.  The mammogram identified something suspicious so further tests were arranged and the results were ready 5hours later.  The speed of this struck me with fear.  The medical team said they had concerns. They had concerns - I was terrified!!!  OMG I thought this is it -CANCER!

The diagnosis of invasive ducal/lobular cancer was given to me and my family on 17th December 2012.

Our journey with Cancer was just beginning.

Why wasn't my treatment started immediately?  I was so scared and could only think I was the only one going through it which was obviously not the case.  I had a mastectomy on 4th February 2013 and the chemo started in April.  My next worry was losing my hair and this became a reality shortly after.  Another part of me was being lost and I felt my identity was being erased.

I worked throughout my treatment partly for financial reasons and to try to keep my life as "normal" as it could be.  I felt very blessed to have tremendous support from my employers, colleagues, my friends and family.

I have always remained positive throughout my treatment although there have been lots of tears but not once have I thought "why me"?.  This awful disease it's not selective with its choice of victims.

However cancer has given me the strength to appreciate living and be thankful for every day.

 I do think that we forget that cancer is a worldwide disease and that is why I have chosen to support AICR (now known as Worldwide Cancer Research) and am taking on the challenge of trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2015.  It is only 19,341ft and they tell me will take 5-6 days to complete.  So if I'm not back by the end of 2015 please send out a search party - ha ha!!

So you see I am trying to give something back to the research of cancer and it is my aim to raise £4,200 by April 2015.  I know it seems a lot of money and I propose to hold other fund-raising events which I will post on my Facebook page so if you are able to sponsor me or make donations to any event I will be so grateful.

Thanks for reading this and remember I was not the first and undoubtedly will not be the last to take on the fight against cancer.