Rachel (Co-founder 2000-2009)

We now know that it isn’t actually cancer but if you have LCIS you are more likely to get breast cancer. Back when I was diagnosed I was given a stark choice - do nothing and you might be OK, or have a double mastectomy. If you do nothing and it becomes invasive you may die in 6 weeks! As it had taken them 6 weeks to diagnose it the choice seemed obvious. In fact this was the easy bit. I elected for the surgery and went ahead and had the operation with immediate reconstruction using silicone implants.

It was after that things became a bit more difficult - when do you tell a new boyfriend? I was living with a guy at the time but he decided whilst I was intensive care that he needed support - with a young lady in my flat!?! Let’s not dwell on that, I was obviously better off without him but there have been boyfriends since and I am happy to report that all of them are oblivious to the fact that my breasts aren’t real.

On removal of the cancerous lump, tests showed I was left with pre-cancerous cells. I was then given the choice to make the decision on my next step. That was a hard one but I felt I had no alternative but to have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to have this procedure done all at the same time. A long op but hey I was asleep I didn’t mind.

My TRAM flap was done in June 1995 and five weeks later I went on my holidays to Portugal. I felt that even though I had to deal with this happening in my life I was not going to let it effect the family holiday I had already booked.

I had great support from my husband, family and friends and was extremely lucky to not to have to have any further treatment.

My TRAM flap has not compromised any thing I do. My job involves working with children; I go to school camp twice a year which includes abseiling and canoeing. I go to the gym regularly and, like Rachel, have completed the Moonwalk.