4 Years Ago, Today.

It was March 23rd, 2005 I was told I had a rare form of inflamatory breast cancer, grade 3.
4 years on, and seeing the likes of young Jade Goody die, makes me feel very grateful to be here, but sad at the same time.
It's changed the way I look at things in life, how can it not.And I know I'm not the only one to have battled this bloody awful disease on the forum, and some are still fighting.

There is a saying...''There but for the grace of God go I''

How lucky we are to have survived.

Your so right, LM.
Just been for a walk with my dog, took in the scenery, I felt a mixture of guilt for those that haven't been as lucky as me, and a mix of gratitude.
The sad stories make the headlines, but we hardly hear any good news relating to the big 'C'.So, I just wanted to put that right, in our little slice of the internet.

I agree pr...its not often we hear good news.

Mention the C word and it strikes terror into us. I remember very well what I felt and that was 21 years ago.

I get annoyed with myself when I moan about my life...I am lucky to still be here so really have no right to moan...we still do though.

Hey, to moan is to be human.
We are never happier that when we are having a moan after all.
The weather, state of the economy, the price of fish......

true.

for you ladies. It would be nice if the media did a big spread on people who have fought cancer and won. I will add two people I know of. One the husband of a friend- he had lung cancer and had a part of his lung removed. He went on to work in a quarry and is now well past retirement age - some 32 years on.
The other, a friend of my mum's - has been retired some 15 years and had breast cancer around17 years ago.

Would be great if the media did regular success stories.Would give more hope to people.

My ex's aunt got breast cancer at the age of 30 and had to have both breasts off.
She lived until she was 90.

Thank you girls, just the pick-me-up I need.
My mother *spits*, even though we don't get on, I'm glad she survived cancer, it's some 25 years ago or more she battled with it.I'm not quite sure what type as a lot was kept from me, but it was *whispers* down there, in her lady bits.
It's why I have been so open with my kids, they need to know the facts so they can keep an eye on their own health.
And there are survivors out there, quite a few on here in fact.

It is heartening when we hear of people beating it and living to a ripe old age.

Me and you'll be around for a long time kid *whispers...if only to annoy the boss*

thats easily done.

Great stuff PR, and indeed everyone here that is engaged in beating the sh*t out of 'The Beast'

Keep going guys, cause you all know you're worth it.

Bless your cotton socks Hammer.

on monday i have to go for a mammogram,when i first got the letter i was a bit shoked to say the least,as i am a few years off 50,so i rang them up and it a new GOVERMENT thing that you have it done in your 47th year,that was news to me.

Wow same here Lm, only it was my mums aunt, she had both off years and years ago and she died in the 80's when she was in her 80's..

My mother in law had 1 breast removed in the early 80's and she is still going strong..

I know it probably scared you Sharon, but please go for it.Thing is, at last the government have taken note that many younger woman are getting breast cancer, and when found early there is something that can be done about it.
People like myself (I was 34 when I had both my breasts off) have fought hard to get the government to do something to prevent younger woman dying from a disease that can be controlled if caught early enough.
I had to wait for months before they'd carry out a mammogram on me as I had no lump, but red orange peel effect skin on the breast, this known as inflammatory breast cancer.They only found it was cancer when I asked for a skin biopsy, following the advice of my breast care nurse.Even then I had to kick up a fuss in the clinic to get it done, I was told they were too busy.A kindly doctor took pity on me, and carried out the biopsy, I was told the bad news a few days later.

This is good news Sharon, really good news.Best of luck for your test.

Wow same here Lm, only it was my mums aunt, she had both off years and years ago and she died in the 80's when she was in her 80's..

My mother in law had 1 breast removed in the early 80's and she is still going strong..

Fab news Floss, you made me smile.

I know I am only a mere male, well in theory at least but I have to echo what PR says Sharon.

Please go and get the test done you know it makes sense, it is only recently that screening tests like these came into being.
People must take them up to convince our health officials that they work, for work they do even if only one person in thousands are saved.

We are fighting to get screening for testicular cancer bought in but it is a fight to get anywhere.

I am sure everything will be well and sorry to be a little blunt.
Good luck and take care.