Letter: Stand together to fight against breast cancer

Having seemingly won the battle against her breast cancer, Sandra is now facing another, fighting cancer in other parts of her body. Maybe, just maybe, a miracle will happen, and she may live well beyond her wedding day.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July after it was picked up on a routine mammogram, an appointment I nearly didn't keep because I was so busy.

I had a lumpectomy in August and have been told that all the cancer had been removed. Although I have to have radiotherapy treatment and take tablets for the next five years,

I feel, at this moment, that I have won the battle. I now want to win the war.

When I was diagnosed, it was like someone hitting me hard in the chest and it took my breath away. Yes, I cried and cried, but many of these tears were for my partner.

I didn't want him to suffer and see the hurt in his eyes. We had both been through a lot of unhappiness and have now been together for four years.

We have turned our lives around. To be given such news is awful at any time but I felt that to be dealt this blow at this time was cruel.

Partners are often forgotten during these difficult times. They feel they must be strong. During one of my sobbing fits, my partner admitted he was hurting because he felt so helpless.

I have received so much support from various cancer groups, friends, family, and virtual strangers but my partner is in the background and he needs support, too.

Since being diagnosed, my life has been a rollercoaster of emotions but I have now developed "tumour humour" which helps me through the bad days.

Because we have no outward signs of breast cancer, it is assumed we are fine but this isn't always the case. Perhaps we should wear badges - "Breast cancer, having a bad day"!

If Sandra's time to depart from this life comes early, I pray that her family unite in strength and have the courage she has displayed throughout her illness.

-Wendy Ford, Worthing