I was well aware of the seriousness of the second operation – but a sense of humour certainly helps.

My surgery was booked for late afternoon, so I had plenty of time to kill.

Given the fact I had to fast from 10am, I decided to rally the troops (family, friends, current/former workmates etc.) and have a nice big brekky at a local restaurant. Not only did it mean I went into hospital very well nourished, but I had some good quality ‘laugh’ time with them – while it didn’t hurt to laugh!

They all thought I was completely bonkers by booking a session to be ‘cast’. Yes – here’s the proof.

My dear Mum walked in to find me clad only in my underwear, with two bits of glad wrap over my nipples (to protect the still-stitched scars from the first operation).

My simple reasoning was that as Dr D worked to remove the cancer from my right breast that afternoon, I knew my ‘bust’ would never look the same again..