She said: "I was thinking about nothing in particular, then I found a lump in my breast. It didn't feel right. My heart started pounding. I rang the doctor's surgery but it was late so I had to wait until the next morning before I could get an emergency appointment.
That's when Sarah, 35 was initially reassured. She was first told the lump felt like a common cyst. A week later a doctor at Eastbourne District General Hospital also thought it was a cyst but, thankfully, referred her for more tests.
Sarah said: "A week later a second lump popped up in my armpit. That was painful so I knew it wasn't right. I had two mammograms and two ultrasounds. That's when they broke the news to me that I had Stage III triple negative breast cancer. I was told this wouldn't respond to medication so I was given a series of tests to check any possible spread. That included a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis. I got the results a few days ago.
Thankfully Sarah, a professional care worker who lives near the centre of town, was told the cancer had not spread to her bones. "They said I needed a six month course of chemotherapy with a different medication three months into the course. It starts on September 23, two days before my 36th birthday! Depending on the outcome, and subsequent tests, I might have to undergo radiotherapy. I was very young to suffer this type of cancer and I'd like people to be aware of their bodies and contact their GPs if they notice any unusual lumps or swellings. In my case, I'm hoping I was in time."
Sarah is single but shares a house and says her friends and her mum have rallied round. She went on: "People have been amazingly supportive and helpful It was a terrible shock but as the days have gone by I'm a little more relaxed about the outcome and just relieved I'm being treated early."
She's set up a Gofundme account to help her cope with any costs resulting from the diagnosis and treatment such as special clothes or wigs. To help Sarah visit
And how's she coping day to day? "The worst part was waiting for the diagnosis. But now I know what I've got to face, it's a bit easier and I must look forwards. . I love wildlife, gardens, walking in the countryside, all that is helping me. I visited an RHS garden in Woking the other day and it was so inspiring. Being out in nature means I can come to terms a bit with what is happening."