Heather's Story

Last October, Heather Thomas from Swansea was diagnosed with breast cancer at 59.

this is her story:

"Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 59 was one massive shock, not only for me but for my whole family and my friends. I found a lump in my right breast and went straight to my GP. He couldn't find it and I was told to come back in one month. During that month, I couldn't feel it so I thought it had gone. But a week or two later, I felt it again. Back immediately to my GP, I asked for a mammogram. The mammogram couldn't find the lump, so I had an ultrasound scan which found it.

Being told I had cancer was the biggest shock in my life. The first thing you think of is 'I'm going to die', but that's not always the case. I felt numb with shock and so did my husband and three sons, who couldn't hide their emotions. I remember thinking on the way home, 'what do I tell them?'

I had an operation on 15 November and received the good news I wanted to hear - it hadn't spread - it was gone. I then started chemotherapy and had two cycles, one  every three weeks. On more than one occasion I felt like ringing the Chemo Unit and saying 'I can't do anymore', but with the help of my family, friends and my faith I was determined to carry on. I owe them all so much. I am now having Herceptin at home, I have that until January 2012. I owe so much to my hospital and to Tenovus and all the many dedicated professionals. Well, I owe them my life. I support Tenovus now as a thank you.

Tenovus were marvellous, helping with everything and knowing they were just a call away. I support Tenovus as much as possible, I enjoy coffee mornings, I buy from their charity shops and support them all I can. Please give what you can to Tenovus - they deserve it - and, who knows, just maybe one day you too might need their help.

Just a word to say to anyone who has what I had is - stick in there. It is hard and losing your hair is so awful, but remember hair grows back, at least you have got your life."