“I used to regularly check my breasts a couple of times a month when I was in the bath, and I never felt anything unusual. However, in May 2021, a large lump came up out of nowhere - I could actually see it protruding from my skin. “Immediately, I thought, ‘What the hell is this?’ but as I was breastfeeding and on my period at the time, I decided to wait before doing anything. When it was still there four weeks later, I made a doctor’s appointment. “I had a mammogram so they could get a closer look, then a biopsy. “A week later, in July 2021, I was diagnosed with early stage invasive ductal carcinoma – though this was later changed to invasive lobular carcinoma after an MRI. “When I got the news, I wasn’t shocked. I think I expected to hear it. “Still, I kept thinking of my husband and my girls. The doctors told me it was treatable and that I would be ok – so I was relieved, but still emotional. “In contrast, when I found out I needed a mastectomy I felt nothing. It was weird: I thought I would be devastated, but I was fine. I just wanted the cancer gone. “I had the operation in September, then a second one in October for an axiliary node clearance. I breezed through them both with very little pain, and the recovery was easy. “Throughout this experience, I have really embraced my body image and I love my body more than I ever did before. “When I looked in the mirror for the first time after my mastectomy, I said to myself: ‘It’s ok, you look good,’ and I haven’t looked back. In fact, seeing my reflection just shows me how far I’ve come, and that I’m still the same person I was before. “Obviously, I never thought I would have cancer at 39 years old, but I have remained positive all the way through. People seem to think that I should be crying all the time, but I’ve been getting through it by making jokes. I think this mindset has helped me a lot. “The things I used to take for granted or let bother me have disappeared, and I’m much more focused on things that bring me happiness.” - Clare You can read Clare's story in the link in our bio.