Life’s lesson

CLAIRE Wood’s attitude towards her health (Femail) helped put my life in perspective.

I, too, am going through breast cancer treatment and have been for more than three years now.

I had a lumpectomy and treatment and thought I was clear, only to have a mastectomy and more treatment, and be clear again, to then find that ‘bits’ have broken away and found a home on my brain and liver.

Like Claire, my friends and family have rallied round, but i t’s hard trying to break the news that time is running out without upsetting them too much.

The family is getting together at Christmas for the first time in years because they all want to see me. That’s lovely — and very uplifting.

Unlike Claire, I don’t have kids (just nieces, nephews and ‘greats’) and have managed more than my three score and ten. And I got married just before the latest diagnosis so I’ve ticked off a lot of my ‘bucket list’. As the head is still recovering from the operation, I have to limit what I can do. My financial support goes to Macmillan and our local hospice. My view is that as soon as you’re born, you’re destined to die.

When I realise what troubles go on in the world, the chance of being targeted by terrorists or mad people, or being run over by a bus, then my little illness is nothing in comparison. Just don’t waste time on housework!

Name and address supplied.