On the 29th June I found a lump. I always thought that a lump in the breast would be like a marble shape. Mine feels like a large dome, it felt about 5cm. The MRI scan confirmed it was 6cm.

I found the lump when I was in the shower. God knows how I missed it before as it's so bloody obvious now. I had lost a few pounds at that time so maybe that contributed to finding it.

Anyway, 7 weeks down the line, after mammograms, ultrasound, biopsies, CT scans, an MRI scan and blood tests I'm now awaiting a date for surgery.

I'm having a mastectomy, a reconstruction & a full nodal clearance all at the same time. For someone who's never needed the NHS very much, I feel like I'm definitely taking advantage of all it has to offer, and they have been brilliant so far.

It turns out I've had my lump in my rogue breast for months, not weeks. The prognosis for me is good, by maybe if I'd discovered it sooner the surgery would have been a lot less.

So if you would like to donate, I'd be so grateful.

And get feeling and examining your breasts regular too. And anyone close to you (emotionally - not in the supermarket!) give them a helping hand or remind them.

Did you know you can register on the CoppaFeel website's for monthly reminders via text message? So after donating, head over there and get signed up.

One of my fabulous golfing buddies suggested I organise a fun golf competition for CoppaFeel. Whilst it is the only UK focused breast cancer awareness charity in the UK, I feel at 54 I still fit in to this category. Just!!

It's on the 6th September if you'd like to join in, though it is nearly full, so you'd have to message me quick. But I'll be about all afternoon from 12 noon if you'd like to drop in to the golf club to say hello, buy a raffle ticket, have a catch up and a bite to eat.

Thankyou

Ali xx

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest.

We educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests regularly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves. We do this because when diagnosed early and accurately, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection truly can save lives.