Veronica is 37. In July 2004 she was diagnosed with grade 3 ductal carcinoma breast cancer. Initially she underwent a full clearance of her lymph nodes under the right armpit. Veronica then had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, bringing the muscle round from the back. This operation was followed by a further operation to reduce scar effects and to reconstruct a nipple. Veronica also underwent a reduction on the other breast to match the reconstructed breast. She says going back to work early helped enormously……that it was much better than sitting around worrying. She says the normality of the work environment helped her get through it all.