PAULINE TUCKER, a retired nurse from Breightmet, found out she had breast cancer only 10 months after a clear mammogram. Her message is "Do not be lulled into a false sense of security."

She also wanted to shed light on some lesser-known aspects of life after a mastectomy -- about help available from physiotherapists, pretty underwear, the power of prayer and the trouble with travel insurance.

This is her story

AS a nurse, I have always been health conscious and self examination was almost routine.

I was alarmed to find a lump in my right breast just 10 months after having a mammogram at Fairfield Hospital. It was confirmed I had breast cancer and a mastectomy was necessary.

My initial reactions were shock, disbelief and fear -- I felt physically sick. People say: 'Think positive'. But for me in those early days it was the hardest thing in the world.

My consultant had offered me a reconstruction but I didn't consider it at all -- I said: 'No thank you'. The health professionals, both during my stay in The Royal Bolton Hospital and afterwards gave me strength.

The ward staff were great but I would have been happier on an all-female ward. The men weren't awkward or interfering, but I have never been in favour of mixed wards.

I had been a district nurse and worked as a health visitor in Bury for 17 years before my retirement. I am 60 now, and my husband, Bernard, and I had made plans for our retirement which never included coping with breast cancer.

Six weeks from first seeing my GP -- before Easter last year -- I was back home recovering from the operation.

It was all very frightening at the time and there were periods when I was very emotional and tearful.

I had 12 lymph nodes cleared, so post-operatively, I was encouraged to do exercises with my arm on the affected side...

But my range of movement was very limited -- I couldn't carry a tray, for example, or do the ironing.

So I attended physiotherapy at least twice a week for nine weeks, until I regained almost full use of my arm.

My physiotherapist gave me a 'pulley' to rig up over the kitchen door, so I could continue my exercises at home.

I feel that the physiotherapists are a group of professionals who seldom get the praise they deserve.

Another person who was a great help to me during those traumatic early weeks was Tricia Preston, the breast care specialist nurse who died recently. I will never forget her.

I am a practising Catholic with a strong faith and a firm belief in the power of prayer. So this helped me, too. I was prescribed Tamoxifen tablets for five years -- but for about the first six months of taking it, I felt nauseous every morning. It became less of a problem when I changed brand.

Another side effect is the 'hot sweats' -- which some ladies prefer to call 'tropical moments'.

I am now also very much at ease with wearing my prosthesis. I hardly ever think about it.

Of course, I need to wear a special bra -- there are some very pretty ones available and some beautiful swimwear.

One frustrating thing can be obtaining holiday insurance.

In most cases I was refused medical insurance or offered cover at astronomical rates -- more than £200 for 10 days in Spain.

Finally, I would say to all women: 'Don't think my mammogram is okay, so I need not worry for the next two years'.

If you find a lump or other changes in your breast, don't delay. See your GP.

On a brighter note, we have recently returned from a wonderful cruise which at first I thought we would not ever be able to consider.

I celebrated my birthday in June this year and had a fantastic party for family and friends.

Instead of presents, I requested donations for Bolton Breast Unit and the total was £700.

I was able to present this sum to Mr Hugh Bishop, consultant surgeon, and the staff at the unit.

My next appointment is in May next year.

I'm feeling find, and certainly very positive -- which was hard to imagine when I was first diagnosed."