Prayers and family support all help the fight

NOT AGAIN: Ella Taylor was recently diagnosed with breast cancer for a third time. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 221014SP6

Ella Taylor knows the feeling of being diagnosed with breast cancer better than most.

For her it hasn't just happened once, or twice, but three times over almost two decades.

Each time the cancer has been picked up through self monitoring. That routine self checking is something Ella admits she hates doing for fear of finding another lump.

I don't think I've ever prayed so hard in all my life.

Ella Taylor

The first diagnosis was in 1995. From the moment she felt the lump she knew it was breast cancer, but that didn't make the official diagnosis from a doctor any less of a blow.

"When she said there was a lot of cancer support out there, then I started crying."

She kept the diagnosis a secret from her husband until a few days before she was due to go to theatre to have the breast removed. She didn't want him wrapping her in cotton wool and stopping her from working.25-10-2014 18:05:00

The surgeon told her they'd got it all and she didn't need any further treatment. That was until 2004 when they found another lump and she had surgery again. She's just recently had another lot of surgery to remove lumps in lymph nodes around the breast.

Ella believes its important to share her story to make women more aware of checking themselves and not just relying on mammograms.

With five children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, Ella says she's got plenty of reason to keep living.

She believes their support, as well as prayer, has helped get her through.

"I don't think I've ever prayed so hard in all my life."

While it's been a long journey, Ella believes it's one that has made her stronger. "I want to be here for my family ... I feel as though I am here to live."