Hi, I’m Tessa, I'm from the UK, and a mother of three. I’m also a breast cancer survivor.

I was very lucky for my cancer to be spotted during a routine mammogram, as the tumour was very small, at around 12mm.

I didn’t make drastic changes after receiving my diagnosis, I just focused on my recovery. However, I did have to stop work to care for my elderly mother.

Initially I was recommended breast-conserving surgery to remove my tumor, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

Eventually, I decided to only do the surgery and radiotherapy. After changing my treatment plan, I still felt anxious and scared but slightly more motivated to continue on.

I was offered anastrazole but having researched the side effects I decided against it and I am now taking HRT (oestrogen, progesterone and vaginal estrogen) to combat the effects of the menopause, even though my breast cancer was hormone fed. Quality of life in menopause far outweighs feeling dreadful on endocrine inhibitors.

I didn’t face many strong side effects from my treatment.

I continued my usual habits of eating healthily and going on daily walks.

Unfortunately, my mother passed away on the day of my lumpectomy surgery. Right now, my plans are to look after my baby grandsons. My hope is to continue with HRT and start to feel better once I alleviate menopause symptoms. I hope to be there for my children and for them to be healthy and happy. Even though they are grown up, I intend to be there when needed to support them.

My biggest fear during recovery was that the cancer hadn't gone and might return. I downplayed my diagnosis as I didn’t want to scare my kids even though they are grown up. I also wanted to show them that you can have a good outcome after a cancer diagnosis. I also know that I was very lucky that it was caught early and the team at my hospital was fantastic.

I just had to get on with it and live through it- my generation was taught that. I didn’t know about mental health growing up, it’s a recent thing.

Currently, after everything I feel quite optimistic and thankful, and appreciate the fantastic care I received from my medical team.

To others on their cancer journey, I say: “You can get through it and live well afterwards. Research treatments. If you want HRT to cope with menopause symptoms do not take no for an answer from the NHS. NHS doctors need more education on HRT in general let alone with cancer survivors - it’s a massive disservice to women that menopause symptoms are dismissed and we’re still expected just to get on with it. You don’t need endocrine inhibitors to strip every last drop of hormone from you, making you feel like crap. You can have HRT and feel far better alleviating menopause symptoms even if you have had cancer. Don’t let them gaslight you! Research and find out and get help. Come on NHS - treat women properly during menopause and if they suffer horrible monthly periods. Have to thank all the wonderful staff at my hospital for my cancer treatment - they were fabulous.”