I am 55 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in September, 2004. I had a fast growing cancer (I found the lumps myself) and had a lumpectomy which removed 2 tumours from my left breast. The cancer had also spread to my lymph nodes & the affected nodes were removed too. To improve my chances, I was accepted on the 'Tango' clinical trial of 12 chemotherapy sessions over 6 months & then after a 6 week gap, 23 sessions of radiotherapy. My cancer is oestrogen receptive, so I now take Tamoxifen. I am also on the 'Azzure' trial, which I believe is to try to prevent bone thinning & fractures which are a hazard when one is deprived of oestrogen. I have also developed lymphoedema in my left arm but am lucky that I attend a dedicated lymphoedema clinic every 6 months and the symptoms are now under control.I have found that acupuncture has helped calm me and kept me focused on living a long & happy life. My husband has been wonderful throughout. I owe him so much. Our 2 children are in their 30's & leading their own lives.However, I sometimes feel it has been much harder for my family to cope with cancer than for me.I lost all my hair during chemo & also had a P.I.C.C line fitted to rest my veins.I now have bright blonde, cropped hair & my veins have recovered.There are many people like me to prove one can live with cancer AND we are still here!I have had the best treatment under the N.H.S. & am very grateful for the research funded by Cancer Research U.K. & other agencies who contributed to my clinical trials & who continue to fund research into cancer & it's causes & treatment.