What the group means to me

• "The group was my saviour - I thought that having breast cancer was going to be a death sentence. Going to the group, I heard that others had survived 20 years or more after surgery - I could see a future." • "The ladies were really supportive and could advise or commiserate as necessary. I felt I could say anything and I would be understood - I could not discuss it at home as it upset my family. Thank you Pink Ladies for being there for me and all who need help.  It also gives me somewhere to go for a social evening with ladies who have become my friends." • "When I first went along to the 1066 Pink Ladies Support group I was very apprehensive and wasn't sure what to expect, but when I arrived, I was greeted with a smile and a warm hug. Everyone was friendly, it wasn't all doom and gloom but very uplifting. You can talk to any of the ladies if you are worried about anything and usually they have the same problem, so it makes you feel that you are not on your own. I think they are a great support group." • "When I lived in Hastings, I was very grateful to meet up with the Pink Ladies, and they supported me through all my treatments, the ups and the downs and also the death of my mother. I am now cancer free 5 years and I had to contend with my bi-polar illness of more than 30 years along with the cancer treatment. • It was great to talk to other women of their experiences with different types of breast cancer and how they coped and also the possibilities of breast reconstruction and how it affected them. I shall never forget the advice I was given, although I have decided, at nearly 60, not to have breast reconstruction, I am happy as I am. I was very impressed with the results shown by the Pink Ladies who had had the operation." • "The 1066 Pink Ladies is a means of support that I can't really find anywhere else. Although I have a loving and supportive family, they can never understand what it is like to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although you stay positive, life is never quite the same again. After I have been to a meeting I always feel full of hope after listening to ladies who have survived this horrible disease - sometimes twice! They give positive advice. The group has benefitted me in that I do not feel isolated and am able to talk about concerns that you can't talk the others about. I hope I am able to give support to other breast cancer survivors in the future." • "I may not come to meetings anymore, but you were there when I needed reassurance during treatment, and I know you are still there if I need you in the future." • "The group was there for me in my darkest moments. I was put in touch with someone of a similar age, also with young kids, who had a similar diagnosis and identical treatment plan. This really helped me through, and she is still my inspiration today. Although I don't tend to go along to meetings now, as logistically it's difficult, I know I'd be welcome at any time." • "Well everyone knows if it wasn't for the group, I would be sitting here dead!  The group pulled me through my darkest days and gave me hope" • "On my discharge from hospital following my second breast cancer 7 years ago, I was recommended by the breast Care Nurse to join Pink Ladies. My initial thought was that I hadn't been to a support group all those years prior, but she was quite adamant that I would benefit. I now realise how much it has helped me, especially as I have had radiation induced sarcomas and am currently being seen at The Royal Marsden. Although this is different to breast cancer, the support I have received from other members has been invaluable. It has meant I could talk to someone other than y husband, who is really supportive, but obviously is very worrying for him. I am so appreciative of everyone in the group." • "The group has been very supportive to me, just spending time and getting to know other women with breast cancer. We share concerns, information, experiences and hope for the future." • "The 1066 Pink Ladies gave me hope and boosted my spirits. I found the group after my operations for breast cancer and I made friends with ladies who had "been there, who understand", the kindness shown to me, advice given and ladies who de-mystified false boobs, was great.  All the things we have done together as a group, like the car boot fairs to raise money for the group and going to The Grosvenor Hotel in London, it's not all about breast cancer, but about life and living it whilst getting good advice and understanding when you need it. It's a great group. Unique. I miss it. There is nothing like it where I live now." • Breast cancer, shocking, seriously life changing and scary business!  The source of my nightmares and constant worries but for the friends I've made by being part of this wonderful, friendly, but foremost - indomitable group of survivors with an unbeatable sense of humour!   Laughter being the best medicine ever, long live 1066 Pink Ladies!"