In 1999 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had accidentally knocked my right breast which had produced a blood clot around a tumour. Most breast cancer is hormonal - mine wasn't. It is not a disease that any other family members have had either.

Everyone who has cancer of any kind knows that it is a frightening and isolating experience and I certainly felt that at first. I was operated on at the hospital at Brive. Dr Collasson was direct and positive although I was doubtful of my chances at the time. Everyone, including the nursing staff, was extremely kind - the standard of care was high and at a time like that, I was glad to have a room of my own.

I knew that on leaving hospital I would have to have five weeks of radiotherapy (which does make you feel tired) and then six treatments of chemotherapy, which always receives a bad press. I had a catheter put in my neck at the hospital and I was lucky enough not to be ill all the time. Occasionally, things made me ill but I learned to avoid them, but I could otherwise lead a reasonably normal life. This treatment method is a bit constraining because you have to have injections in your stomach every day for a month (these aren't painful) and then see the cardiologist - but in my opinion, for the results it's worth it.

Dr Leduc, who is Head of Oncology, is easy to talk to and everyone took care to explain what was happening and make sure that I understood.

I went for a check-up five months after my last chemo session and as the result was good, I was put on yearly check-ups which I'm on now. When my hair fell out, I bought a superb wig (which I still use in emergencies) and when my hair grew back, I had some wonderful curls!

I lead a perfectly normal life in every way now and I know that there were other people whose cases were far more serious than mine but who are also now on yearly check-ups. I appreciate life all the more because of what happened to me and I think I was lucky to have such good treatment so quickly which has allowed me to put this behind me. It isn't even a bad memory anymore

                                                                                                          Marion