But just weeks before her surgery, the mother-of-two discovered she had cancer and was forced to have both her breasts completely removed.

Bernice, 42, of Adversane Road, Worthing, has told her amazing story as she prepares to take part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life at Worthing Rugby Club, in Angmering, on July 20.

Bernice said she had always had large breasts and was fed up being a 34F, especially after two children and "gravity taking its toll".

She finally decided to do something about it in 2004 and booked in to a private hospital for surgery in the November.

Strange feeling

"I was very excited about the prospect of having small, pert, breasts and found myself frequently standing naked in front of the mirror and lifting my breasts up to imagine how they might look," said Bernice.

But it was while doing this she noticed something odd.

"My right breast seemed to feel firmer in one area and then softer in another," she said.

Not having felt a lump, Bernice said she was only vaguely concerned, mainly because she was worried her reduction may have be cancelled.

With her surgery just two weeks away, Bernice made an appointment with her GP who said she could refer her to the breast clinic at the hospital.

Bernice knew she could not afford to wait, so made a private appointment despite feeling "like a fraud".

"However, when the consultant examined me, the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed," said Bernice.

"I was whisked off for a mammogram and ultrasound then a core biopsy.

"The consultant told me he thought it was probably cancer and not only did I have it in my right breast but also in my left breast, too, and I would probably need a bi-lateral mastectomy.

"In the space of one hour, I had arrived, been tested and told I may have cancer.

"I had gone on my own thinking I would be told I was making a fuss about nothing and so I was in total shock.

"I didn't cry, I didn't have any questions, I just got in my car and drove myself home."

Surgery and therapy

Bernice said the rest of the week seemed "never-ending" and she was unable to eat or sleep.

"I also cried a lot, especially when thinking I may die and not be around for my children," said Bernice.

The results confirmed Bernice, who was just 39, had lobular cancer in both breasts and would need them both removed.

She had her first mastectomy on December 16 and the second six weeks later.

After a six-week recovery period, Bernice started four months of chemotherapy.

"I felt very ill at times and losing my hair was the least of my worries," she said.

Following an eight-week break, Bernice started five weeks of extensive radiotherapy, during which she said she "suffered severe burns and was at a very low ebb".

In April, 2006, Bernice was thrown into further turmoil when she had to have her ovaries removed to reduce the production of oestrogen.

"The effects of this were sudden and upsetting," she explained.

"Being thrown into an early menopause with severe hot flushes, crashing tiredness, aching joints and no libido whatsoever."

The next stage of Bernice's recovery was breast reconstruction surgery.

"I was really looking forward to the surgery, even though I knew the risks.

"I figured the result could only be an improvement on my current flat-chested and badly scarred appearance."

But she added: "Ironically, the one surgery I thought of as a positive event turned out nearly killing me.

"I lost my entire circulating blood volume and needed an eight litre blood transfusion."

Reconstruction

Bernice spent two days in intensive care but said she did not regret having the reconstruction and was very happy with her new breasts.

She said: "They are finally smaller and pert but the journey to the end result was not quite what I had planned.

"If it had not been for the fact that I wanted a breast reduction, then I honestly think it unlikely that I would have discovered the changes in my breasts."

Bernice wants other women to realise breast cancer does not always present itself as a classic lump and that younger women can be victims, too.

"I feel very grateful that I am still here today to bring up my children.

"I may be a bit battered and bruised and worse for wear, but I am not beaten yet."

Race for Life

Bernice, who also lost both her grandmothers to cancer within three months of each other, took part in the Race for Life last year and raised £750.

This year she plans to complete the race with daughter Elysia, eight, and have her son Tommy, 15, and husband David cheering her on.

More information: click here for www.raceforlife.org/south and 0871 641 2274.