Eileen Monaghan previously worked in marketing for a financial services company, but is now retired. Despite having breast cancer, she is still active, playing golf regularly as well as being a UNICEF volunteer.

I first discovered I had breast cancer after a routine mammogram in 1997. Screening picked up a small lump about the size of a pinkie nail. Very quickly a lumpectomy was performed and lymph nodes removed. A few weeks later it was discovered that the surrounding tissue had pre-cancerous cells and a mastectomy followed. I elected to have reconstruction done at this time. This was followed by five years on tamoxifen and I felt protected.

As I neared the end of my five year course of tamoxifen my thoughts turned to possible treatment options to follow. I used the Internet to research the possibilities and for the first time discovered aromatase inhibitors. At my five-year check-up shortly afterwards I met a research nurse at my local hospital who asked me to take part in a clinical trial involving the drug. I accepted and in time learned that I was on the active drug and not a placebo.

Although friends and family were supportive, I didn’t know anyone personally who had experienced breast cancer. As a result I felt rather isolated so sought help from Breast Cancer Care. Their helpline staff were always on hand with information and comforting advice. I also visited my local Maggie’s Centre, a haven for anyone affected by cancer where you can just drop by, feel at home and learn more about your illness. There you can also learn relaxation techniques and explore other ways to keep feeling positive. Personally I’ve found herbal remedies to be of benefit and yoga a great way to keep in shape and relax.

I found it extremely hard to come to terms with my mastectomy, but ultimately I feel very lucky. I was actually due for a routine mammogram four months earlier, but it was postponed due to refurbishment of the centre. Would an earlier mammogram have picked up my small lump and would the next mammogram (three years later) have been too late? Who knows? But I do believe my guardian angel was watching over me!