Val Armstrong's Breast Cancer Diary

Val Armstrong BBC Radio Cumbria

On 7 July 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.

Monday 14 November 2011

I've been writing my diary for a full year now. A year that has seen me go through one mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, then a second mastectomy.

Thank you for your kindness and messages

It's been 12 months full of peaks and troughs, good days and bad days, happy and sad times.

It's been an emotional roller coaster which I'm still riding. It's been mentally and physically draining. I'm lucky that when I started this journey I was as strong as an ox. I've been using all of my strength to get through the rough days.

A year on and I'm still experiencing almost unbearable hot flushes every 40 minutes to an hour. I've turned into an insomniac, am still holding onto my steroid bloat which has seen me gain 2.5 stones in weight and I live with constant pain around my hips. I'm also having to deal with additional stresses as my statutory sick pay has run out and I'm now having to claim state benefits.

But I'm still strong, still positive and still fighting.

Thank you

I've enjoyed writing my diary - it has been a great way for me to off-load and I know sharing my experiences has helped many other people who have been affected by this dreadful condition.

I now feel though that it's time to continue the rest of my journey in private.

Thank you for your kindness. All of your messages, cards and emails have kept me buoyant and given me that extra bit of strength and courage when I needed them. And though this continues to be the most difficult time of my life just knowing that I have so many people supporting and praying for me is both heartening and humbling.

No doubt my colleagues at BBC Radio Cumbria will keep you up to date with my progress.

Thank you - I couldn't have got this far without you.