Anna Libby, a Breast Cancer Survivor

This is the second time that I am taking part in raceforlife. Last year I believed myself to be a fit healthy active woman and that cancer was sometime that happened to other people, basically I was aware it was common and deadly and affected many peoples' life's, however it wasn't anything for me to concern myself about especially as there was no family history. I used to buy my little lapel badge for breast cancer and gave it no further thought.

Then on 26.11.06 I wrapped my towel around myself after my shower and whilst drying myself discovered a pear-shaped lump in my left breast. I was not unduly concerned knowing that the vast majority of breast lumps are benign. My GP confirmed the lump and referred me to an oncologist. He immediately took mammograms and biopsies and asked me to return 4 days later when I was diagnosed with breast cancer (07.12.06). Two days later I had an MRI scan and shortly after that I was advised that I required a mastectomy and was referred to a plastic surgeon. I had an 11 hour operation on 06.01.07 which included a DIEP/TRAM procedure which uses abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast. Almost as soon as my surgical scars healed my chemotherapy started with my consequent hair loss and the need to wear a wig.

I am walking raceforlife on 10.06.07 at 14.00 I will have completed 6 out of 8 of my chemotherapy cycles and provided that my white blood count remains within the necessary range radiotherapy is scheduled for August daily for three weeks.

I have been extremely lucky as my breast cancer was discovered early and had only spread to one lymph node and 100% of my cancer was able to be removed. My oncologist's feedback post surgery was "your outlook is excellent" and I believe my prognosis is to live a long and healthy life.

I had no significant past medical history - I was fit and well, I had never smoked, I have always had a normal BMI with a healthy vegetarian diet and cycle and swim regularly. I am happily married with healthy children and I am employed fulltime in work that I am passionate about.

A diagnosis of cancer was, therefore, completely unexpected - it actually had probably been there for 1-3 years and had not been detected in a routine mammogram in May 2005.

Professionally I have worked as an occupational therapist in the rehabilitation of clients suffering from physical or mental disability and have worked for NHS, Social Services or as a private consultant for 25 years. With the extent of my own clinical and therapeutic knowledge I have been able to help myself to a speedy recovery through the most stressful event of my life. I am also a qualified LifeCoach, Colour Counsellor and Reflexologist.

Since then I have set up "Breast Buddies T, shortly to become a charity, which offers an informal support network and professionally I now wish to combine my skills along with this personal experience to provide a one-stop-shop for women suffering from of with my own.

I am now writing a book entitled: "Cancer healed Anna" which has been part of my own reflective and cathartic process and due to be published in time for it's launch at my pink rose dinner on 11.10.08 (www.pinkrosedinner.org.uk) I will donate £1 (RRP £10) to breakthrough breast cancer (www.breakthrough.org.uk) Everyone is welcome and signed copies will be available.

So since race-for-life last year my life has taken a significant shift and so this year I am walking with both fit and well women - friends, family, colleagues, and clinicians and women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We have designed our own T shirt especially for the day. If you would like to join us you are welcome or if you are male volunteers are needed to steward events. My number is 4033. I do hope you will sponsor me, wherever you are in the world as you are able to do it directly via www.raceforlifesponsorme.org. My target is £1000.