Maggie Wilcox

! was diagnosed in 1997 with lobular node-negative breast cancer (L).  Treated - wide excision, axillary clearance and radiotherapy. Developed  abscess and opted for mastectomy in 1998. Had gynae problems on Tamoxifen after 4yrs so changed to Letrozole for 6yrs - discontinued 2007
Have had joint problems - various and not continuous in same joints - still taking Celebrex. Hair, skin and nails were also affected. Sleep much improved since stopping Letrozole.
Not sure what else is due to medication and what due to age! No recurrence so far and healthy but remain cautious.

I have a health Health Visitor background but, after the death of only child from Reye's Syndrome, I spent 10 years in palliative care -Nursing Director for community team plus hospital Macmillan experience. I opted for early retirement after diagnosis and became a trustee of Surrey Women's Aid and local Sure-Start committee. Also a member of Soroptimist International of Elmbridge, David Lloyd Club, NADFAS, and am a volunteer at local arts centre.

2 years after diagnosis I heard of work of UKBCC through my membership of Soroptimist International - I joined and later became Board member.
Became member of CAN Steering Group for Breakthrough after the merger with UKBCC. (Term finishes August) 
2 years ago - Member of Service User Research Panel for Breast Cancer Care and elected to represent panel on main Research Committee 
This year -Member of Board for Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank

Patient Representative (P.R.) on:
NCRI Breast Clinical Study Group for 2+years and member of Translational Sub-Group and the Breast Intergroup
POETIC, IMPORT and "iBreast" trials
local network SWSH Breast Tumour Group, Cancer Services Board for St Peter's & Ashford Hospitals, Locality Cancer Services Group
research planning group for National Early Diagnosis & Assessment Initiative (NAEDI).
formally on working groups for Cancer Reform Strategy & National Survivorship Initiative. Have taken part in Peer Review in several Cancer Networks. 
Member of SWSH Cancer Research Partnership Group (Was Vice-Chair) Member of NCRI Consumer Liaison Group

Have attended training sessions with Breakthrough, Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan as well as NCRI courses in UK. Also Project LEAD training in USA - course provided by NBCCF but travel costs met by Local Research Group and NCRI. Attended follow-up course on Clinical Trials in Paris - run and funded by the NBCCF (USA)
Have attended Birmingham NCRI conference 3 times (NCRI Bursary) and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium twice - funded by 1) Breakthrough and 2) The Alamo Advocates (USA)

I am 67 and I live in Surrey.