After many years my nan has opened up and decided to share a little into her story and her experience with Breast Cancer.

Story to Date,

It was 15 years ago I was 48 years old and felt a small lump in the lower part of my left breast, it was only small and I wasn’t really sure what I was feeling but I had been checking my breasts ever since I was 21 when my Mum had breast cancer. I made an appointment with my doctor the next day, he sent me to Rockhampton for a mammogram and ultrasound.  

About 2 weeks later we travelled to Rockhampton to have the procedures, the lump had grown and was sore to touch, as my Mum had had to get her breast removed, I thought well this is what is going to happen to me. I just wanted to be okay, my youngest son was only 9 at the time I wanted to stay around a bit longer to watch him grow. To my amazement after the procedures were done the technician said all was good, I could go home and the doctor would send me a letter, I couldn’t believe it I remember saying I have this obvious lump, my Mum had breast cancer you’re telling me it’s nothing and I can go home. I was stunned. Unknown to me my doctor had ordered a FNA which is a fine needle aspiration but they didn’t do this.

Two weeks later the letter arrived saying I would advise this patient to get reviewed in 6 months’ time. Luckily my lump had grown some more and was getting even more painful so I went back to my doctor who sent me straight to a specialist who did an FNA in his room, he did say that it being so sore was a good sign because breast cancer is not usually sore. Later I remember him saying we can toss that myth out the window.

By the next day before lunch, my specialist rang and said I’m sorry you have a very aggressive form of breast cancer and you will need your breast removed and chemo.  I realised then that if they had made time to do the FNA all those weeks ago I may not have come to this I was angry and upset but now I think I don’t think it would have changed the outcome for me, but it might for some other woman. Things have changed now if your doctor has requested an FNA the Radiologist department has to make time for it. I think my specialist had something to do with that.

That began a journey of surgery, chemo, pain, hair loss, tears, laughter, prayers, highs and lows. However, I survived and thankfully I’m still here enjoying life with my wonderful husband of 45 years and my 3 wonderful children and 6 beautiful grandchildren. I come to Rockhampton to have my mammogram and ultrasound every year and to see my very supportive specialist who tells me every year, just how lucky I was.