Five years ago to the date, I was admitted to hospital for my mastectomy and immediate reconstruction... I was tired from six cycles of chemotherapy and fearful of what the future might hold.

Since then I have learned to live with side effects, come to terms with living with a degree of uncertainty, made some amazing friends, done some wonderful things and been subject to ongoing care and support.

This morning was my five year post surgery check-up... I was pretty confident all would be well, but even so not counting any chickens.

I could not have imagined how happy I would feel to leave my appointment officially Five Years NED (No Evidence of Disease).  I still have another five years of follow-up.  Another five years of taking Tamoxifen.  And two-yearly mammograms (so years 6,8,10) for the balance of the decade.

Five years is a recognised milestone, not a 'now you are cured' but a real sense that 'now the risks start to diminish the longer you stay well.'

Had I been able to jump for joy without hurting my abdominal scar, I would have done.  Indeed, I would have danced my way out of the hospital and all the way down the road.

Chastened optimism, humble hopefulness, eternal gratitude... being a Five Year NED is just an amazing place to be.

Thank you God

Thank you everyone who has supported me

Thank you NHS Scotland.