15 September 1960 – 24 October 2006
BEGINNNING OF JOURNEY
April 1999 I discovered a large lump in my left breast which prompted me to see my GP, and the next week was a whirlwind. A fine needle aspiration confirmed my worst fears and breast cancer was diagnosed. I have two small children; Kate was 2 and Emma 11 months old.
The day after Emma’s first birthday, I had a mastectomy at Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital and spent the next 5 days wondering about my faith. My surgeon brought me good news – good clearance around the tumour, no presence in my nodes – prognosis good. A round of CMF chemotherapy was recommended by my oncologist, 6 months an dit would all be over. My hair thinned, I felt quite sick towards the end of my treatment, and was glad the 6 months was over. About a year later I had a breast reconstruction and was thrilled with the results.
DIAGNOSIS OF SECONDARIES
Life was great and my health good. My husband and the girls (Kate now 7 and Emma 5), and I went travelling around Australia on our once in a life time trip. 6 months into our trip I started to experience some shoulder pain, and with my perseverence it was discovered that I had metastatic breast cancer. A large tumour in my liver and a spot on my rib.
Managing Paperwork
Keep a history of your illness. Include dates of scans and results, as you will be asked these dates often. Ask your oncologist to explain what the results of investigations and tests mean.
