I was diagnosed with breast cancer, originally Stage I but progressed to Stage III after a lumpectomy did not produce clear margins, so was followed by a masectomy, chemo, radiotherapy and I am now on Tamoxoifen.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma when I was 17 and had 8 cycles of gruelling chemo for that but I was still not prepared how the chemo made me feel this time round. I can only say, just focus one day at a time and fight it with your head too.

I was told after my first illness that the chemo would prevent me from having children, I went on to have a son who is now 17 and both him and my husband have supported me every step of the way. My family and friends have also been amazing.

The two illnesses are not connected, just one of those things.

I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have the support I did, if you don't, then please use any support networks you can, the support websites can be an absolute godsend.

Trudi