Hi there, I'm Margaret from Ireland, and a mother of two children. This is my story about how I managed with Stage 3 breast cancer.

I was diagnosed after a large lump appeared almost overnight, which I felt straight away. I also felt some itching.

I didn’t make any changes to my lifestyle.

I went with lymphadenectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, just as my doctors recommended. After deciding on my treatment I felt happy, relieved, motivated and hopeful.

I faced the following side effects: hair loss, nausea, loss of toenails, thrush and mouth ulcers. I also faced sepsis (five blood transfusions and 3 platelet transfusions), numbness in both hands and feet and itchy rashes.

Beyond that, I had no taste when eating, blurred vision and black fingernails. I also had a lung infection, fatigue, and lost four stone (equivalent to 56 pounds or approximately 25.4 kg) in weight. I tried my best to manage this with prescribed medication.

Unfortunately, I also had financial difficulties. My hospital refused my medical card and I had to pay for my own medication. I was out of work and receiving illness benefits.

I haven’t made permanent lifestyle changes yet, but I’ve exercised more. I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my children, and had less intimate time with my partner. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to go on my usual family trips since treatment.

In the next 2 years, hopefully my family and I can get away for a holiday next year if I can afford it. Personally, I look forward to getting my hair done when it grows back.

My biggest dreams are to be financially secure and have a happy home that I can be proud of. To see my son continue to do well in school and for myself and my partner to some day live together and maybe get married. To get away on a nice family holiday. To fix up our house.

My biggest fear throughout has been financial worries. It's tough, but I'm still dealing with it. I wanted to be able to recover without the stress of bills.

My emotions today are pretty much the same as before, I still feel optimistic and hopeful.

To others on their journey: “Stay positive and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Now is not the time to be proud, take help when it's offered as it's easier to recover when you're not alone.”