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It was late summer, early February 1993. This particular day was so perfect. The sun was shining and very warm, the sky was crystal clear. The birds were happily flying freely everywhere. That's how I was feeling myself too, very happy, disease free. I was flying here and there full of smiles and energy and because of this, life was so beautiful.
So I decided to put on my sexy bikini and to go to sun bake. But I have a bad habit always getting dressed or undressed, I do check myself in front of the mirror. But this time the picture of my body was somehow different.
Something struck on me! I saw this red patch on the skin of my breast. I started getting a little worried, but I didn't take it very serious, and I continued to finish my sun baking.
After one week I thought it was a good idea to do to go and see my GP. I asked, 'Doctor what is this? I am afraid'. He examined me and he said, 'It's nothing, don't worry it is only infection.' He gave me one lot of antibiotics and off I went. After a fortnight I visited a specialist and he said the same thing an he gave me another lot of drugs. After that I waited for seven weeks, then it was decided to give me a biopsy. Two days later, just before Good Friday, over the telephone, I got the bad news that I had breast cancer. I felt like the sky had fallen in on me.
Soon after I had the big operation and five weeks of radiotherapy. I had no bad side-effects, everything went well and I am enjoying life every step, every minute.
But now, when I pose in front of the mirror, I cheat myself, I look sideways (because! ha!ha!). While I was in the hospital my surgeon introduced me to this lovely lady called by the name of May Jackson. She had been through breast cancer herself and was a member of the Riverland Breast Cancer Support Group and knew what I was going through. So one day she visited me in the hospital, and it was very nice of her to come and talk to me about different things and give me some moral support.
But for me nothing could make me happy. She was talking so nicely to me, but I was very cross. Deeply in me I didn't want to hear anything, I was crying non-stop and I was sceptical about why she was telling me all this. I have lost my breast, nothing can help me I am dying! All this talking is no good to me.
Anyway after that first meeting with May, we had follow-ups together and I started getting used to the matter. She helped stitch a pocket in my bra for my prosthesis and we became good friends.
Also my lovely husband has stood by me all the way. With his support, and that of my relatives and friends, I have survived and I thank all of them. I hope God will keep everyone healthy and well. Now both my husband and I after this drama, live happily again and we enjoy every single day. Thank God!
Millie Laccos, South Australia, diagnosed in Feb 1993, writing May 2001
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Millie Laccos 
