AS many of your readers will be aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Taking my health and well-being for granted, I never dreamt I would be a victim of breast cancer.

When I was made redundant from my post with a local authority last September, I was full of optimism for the future. I embarked on a part-time college course, passed three exams and started job hunting.

In the first week of July I found a lump in my breast. Within two days I was referred by my GP to a specialist at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and three weeks later a cancerous lump was removed, together with a number of lymph glands from under the arm, which also proved to be "invaded" by cancer cells.

Just four weeks after the operation I started a chemotherapy course at Cheltenham hospital's Oncology Unit which is expected to last six months, after which I am told I shall need several weeks of radiotherapy treatment. At present the side effects of the chemotherapy are being relieved by drugs and I am, by outside appearances, living a 'normal' life.

I still have my hopes and dreams for the future, but I have to admit that my life now feels "on hold."

If any of you see or feel anything 'odd' in your breast or armpit – a lump, any soreness, puckering, or a wound that does not heal, do not ignore it – get it checked out. Tell a friend, your partner, a neighbour – they will make sure you get it checked if you are too afraid to go it alone!

Breast cancer is largely indiscriminate. It can strike you, like it struck me, so quickly. It changes your plans and outlook on life overnight.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have given encouragement and offered support in so many ways to my husband, Graham, and myself over the past two months. Your continued support will help us through the darker days.

Please support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in whatever way you can. – Christine Thomas, 17 Garlands Road, Alvington, Lydney.