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Preface

I have written this book in an attempt to convey the message that even with such a devastating disease as breast cancer, there is hope.

Treatments today are far more aggressive and effective than ever before. Nowadays, many patients make a full recovery, and have an encouraging prognosis after treatment. I sincerely hope that as you read, you may become more aware about breast cancer, and less frightened of it knowing the facts concerning both the disease and the means by which it is treated, than perhaps you have been until now.

More often than not, it is the unknown that creates the most fear. Once we know the facts, once we are aware, we can deal with the reality instead of allowing ourselves to be frightened by our imaginings.

The book tells the story of how I dealt with my breast cancer after I was diagnosed in August 2000, unfailingly supported and sustained by the devoted love and care of Pete, my husband. Not only is this an account of how we lived with and fought the disease, but it is also a love story. It had to be.

My aims in writing the book are to promote awareness, and to help readers not only to gain an insight into what it is actually like to be a breast cancer sufferer, or the partner of one, but also to develop an understanding of how to constructively support someone who s struggling to cope with this disease. The most effective means by which I can achieve these aims is through sharing my experiences with you. I hope my story may assist in raising your existing awareness, also that it may give you reason to believe that to have a mastectomy does not mean the loss of femininity, sexual attractiveness or self-esteem, and that whatever we lose during the course of our lives, Life itself is always worth living.

CR, May 2002

Taken from back cover:

Chrissie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 48, and she describes her life from the discovery of her breast lump in 2000 up to the present day. She reflects on the anxiety, fears, her love and her joy throughout the last two years, talking openly and frankly about her attitude towards her mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Her illness has given Chrissie tremendous strength and determination, not only to combat her own problems but also to help others in a similar situation. A full and candid account of her fight against Breast Cancer, the book also contains both humour and poignancy.

This informative volume is essential reading for women of all ages, diagnosed or just concerned. It also offers inspiration for husbands, partners, relatives, and friends. It is not just an insight into the mixed emotions experienced by one brave person; it is much more - A Story of True Love."

John Lucas, Publisher