SUE BUZZEO had gone through a divorce and was planning a house move and a new life when she discovered a lump in her breast.

The terrifying discovery, the ensuing fear and the discomfort of her subsequent treatment changed her life.

And now the National Express East Coast project manager has written a book – ‘Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow’ – about her experiences, in the hope that it will help others suffering from the same plight and also raise money for breast cancer research.

Sue, 47, who has four children and two stepchildren, was diagnosed with cancer four years ago and is still receiving drug treatment.

“I found this lump on the day I was due to move from York to Newcastle. I told my partner Mark, ‘You may not want to move in with me’. He told me not to be stupid and six months later we were married,” she said.

Sue, who is based at York station, underwent surgery in July 2004 and started chemotherapy in August. The treatment was meant to end in 2005 but her body couldn’t cope with the punishing regime and she stopped before the end of her treatment plan. Later came radiotherapy treatment.

Before writing the book Sue had attempted a long-distance walk in Edinburgh to raise money for cancer research but collapsed after an incredible 23 miles.

“I was completely devastated but, looking back, it was too early to do it.”

Sue, who joined the railway in 2000 and previously worked for East Coast in internal communications, decided to write the book to help her express her own feelings and emotions and to help others in the same boat.

“I really enjoy writing, it’s a passion of mine. Writing the book has helped me to come to terms with things – it’s been a real eye-opener for me.”

Sue loves her job with National Express and says: “Throughout my treatment I tried to work every day. Each day that I could get out of bed was another day I felt I had won.

“Different people deal with cancer in so many different ways. Some want to be reclusive, others don’t want to see that they are bald from treatment. But there is no right or wrong way to deal with it and there is no right or wrong way to respond.

“And it’s not just the cancer victims who suffer, it is close family as well.

“Sometimes they can feel they have been forgotten. My husband got very depressed, because going through this situation is quite frightening.”

She adds: “I would challenge anyone not to know someone at work or a neighbour who is, or has been, dealing with cancer.”

Sue knows her book has been therapeutic and is now hoping to raise as much money as possible for research.

“Things are looking good at the moment and I am a fighter. And I will keep fighting,” she said.

- Sue’s book, ‘Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow’ can be obtained from high street bookshops or on the internet through stockists such as Amazon.com. Further details are on her website: Sue Buzzeo.co.uk.

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