Silver Linings

By Amy Jurado

I'm now a Zero Hero

I've decided to shave off all my hair because,

 1. I want a world where there are ZERO deaths from breast cancer, and 

2. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 months ago, and soon chemo will take my hair... so I figured I’d take back control and choose when to lose it, whilst hopefully making a small difference.

I believe every death from breast cancer is one too many. To achieve this, I’m raising funds for more research. All donations made to this page will help do exactly that. 

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia’s leading national body funding game-changing breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public.

I found my lump, “self examination” styles that once it was biopsied, was removed, along with some lymphnodes. Stage one small lump. Every day I’m grateful that we live in a country like Australia where breast cancer isn’t a death sentence like it used to be. 

With the help of my breast cancers care nurse I’ve had my genes tested and I also had eggs harvested and frozen.

I really believe research is the best way to prevent deaths, and improve how breast cancer is diagnosed, managed and treated. NBCF is working towards one goal: zero deaths from breast cancer. Together we can help them get there.

Click 'Donate' to make a secure online donation and help me reach my goal. Every donation, big or small, will help me get there. Please donate today.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and you will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt via email as soon as you make your donation.

Thank you so much for your support xx

My Achievements

1. My Pink Hero Pledge

2. Uploaded Profile Picture

3. Shared My Page

4. Received First Donation

5. Halfway to Fundraising Goal

6. Reached Fundraising Goal

My Updates

How did we even get here????

Tuesday 31st Oct
In April of this year i found a small lump in my right breast. 
At first i ignored it because i told myself it wasn’t anything.
When a close friend also felt the lump i knew i had to do something about it.

First stop gp > sent for a mammogram and ultrasound.
Mammogram = inconclusive. Being young, breast tissue is still very dense and didn’t show anything.
Ultrasound = confirmed lump > biopsy recommended.

5th may biopsy > received full information on the 21st. 
Results = Invasive Carcinoma of No Special Type.
Referred to Nepean Breast cancer clinic.
By the end of June i was booked in to see the surgical team that were going to explain the next steps. 

Given my age and the fact that my fathers mother also had breast cancer at 50, they’re sent me to the familiar clinic at Westmead to have my genes tested. This was a simple one on one interview about my family history and a blood test.
The surgical team booked me in for surgery one the 31st of July. 

Day surgery > lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy..
All went well. Took about 2 weeks to recover.
Beginning of august, i got the genetic testing results back which were all negative, which means i didn’t have genetic markers for the common types of breast cancer and its not something i inherited but just shitty luck.
Before i got those results, i got a phone call from the surgeons registrar, explaining that while they cut out the lump in its entirety, of the 4 lymph nodes they removed to test 2 also had cancer in them. 

Second surgery > over night stay plus drain for a week. They reopened the first incision under my arm and removed all 13 remaining lymph nodes. Because of the spread, this put chemotherapy on the table, up until now it was looking like it would just be radiation.  After being told that chemo would damage my eggs and could make it so i could never have kids, the breast cancer care nurse set me up an appointment with westmead fertility clinic. 

Of all the things i have experienced so far in this journey and to be honest my whole life, the fertility needles have been the hardest. Over 13 days, 22 self injected needles, 5 blood tests, 3 internal & external ultrasounds and a morning in hospital to have the eggs harvested. In total they managed to get 14 eggs, which is a lot, and for me, piece of mind that if i do change my mind they are there.

Harvest was on Thursday 12th of October, the following Monday the 16th, was my first chemotherapy session. It was overwhelming and i cried more than even i expected haha. By the time the 2hrs was finished i realised that i can get through this, i know i have a world of support, of loved ones who have my back and im stronger than i give myself credit for. 

In that first session i was told that 1. By the time i come back for my second appointment (tomorrow) my hair will have begun to fall out, and 2. Going for walks will help my body process and push out the chemo so i feel better faster…. (So I rescued a 9 year old doggo from the pound) his name is Butch and we are in love.

Yesterday i washed my hair and so much came out in the shower and more in my brush afterwards so the timing of todays shave was perfect. 

It is just hair, it will grow back. 
But having each and everyone of you there to hold me accountable, to back me up, and to remind me I can do this….thats what pushed me.
I’m going to post the video soon. And photos!!! 

Chemo will continue into the beginning of next year, annnnnnnnnnnnnddddddd then radiation haha but I have my cat, my dog, and my sister!! 
My life is better than it ever has been xx

SERIOUSLY CHECK YOUR TIDDIES
GO SEE YOUR GP!!!

Thank you to my Supporters

$260

Daniel Kinghorne

You've got this fucker!! Love ya x

$211

Kira Jurado

❤️

$209

Hugues Servera

$105.50

Andrew Oliver

You got this boo.

$105.50

Halil Houssein

You got this! 👊🏻

$105.50

Lee & Rob Balderson

We are always here for you honey

$105.50

Fran Elliott

You got this 💪 xxoo

$105.50

Wood Family

You are so brave! Sending love and strength through your journey. Continue to knit; we still love Lachlans blanket. Maybe some beanies 🥰 Love the Woods x

$105.50

Yecats

LOVE YOU FOREVER BITCH!! YOU GOT THIS AMIGO ❤️

$100

Anonymous

Sorry to hear about this Amy, I really hope you get through this and you have people to support you, please stay positive because I believe that will help you through it.

$52.75

Beau Ramone

$52.75

Chantal Steane

Thinking of you! You’ve got this xx

$52.75

Jacqui W

Love you Mootbag 😘

$52.75

Sue Tatlock

You’ve got this Amy. Sending you a big hug and kisses.

$52.75

Sarah, Kris Amd Darcy

I am incredibly proud of you for your commitment to raising funds for breast cancer research. Your decision to shave your head is not only brave, but selfless and inspiring. Your strength and determination in the face of adversity is a true testament to your character. I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way, and that I support you in your fight against this disease. You are not alone, and we will continue to stand by you in this journey. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. With love and admiration

$52

Troy Mendoza

Sending lots of love ❤️ keep the memes and reels coming loves !!

$50

Rachel Aulbury

Love you so much <3

$50

Martin Fodor

$44.31

Cathie-lee

You are awesome mate! XX

$42.20

Latasha

You go girl!!

$36.93

Amanda Cooper

You got this Amy, Thinking of you and sending my love xo

$36.93

Amy Jurado

$36.93

Anonymous

$36.93

Ivana Coric-zlendich

endless love and support for you!! you got this girl 💓💪🏼

$36.93

Nicolle Farlow

$36.93

Emily Nunnari

Love you beautiful <3 we are so very lucky to live where we do, and am so thankful that you are doing okay, along with both of my aunts who have fought this fight. Keep fighting and keep smiling my love x

$36.93

Yolunde Meyer

Love you sister ❤

$36.93

Elizabeth

You got this girl!! Sending love and positive vibes cx

$36.93

Anonymous

$36.93

Frankie Jean

Sending you so much love honey 🥺💖

$36.93

Mm

You’ve got this 💪🏼

$35

Thomas

Fucking crush it!

$31.65

Anonymous

You gots this, your a strong woman!!

$26.38

Brett

You got this Amy!

$26.38

Elena, Ava & Ebony X

Sending love x

$21.10

Cloey Cvet

all my love <3

$21.10

Maddi

So proud of you 🫶🏼

$21.10

Bronte Galea

Keep killing it, proud of you! 💗

$21.10

Olivia Rodriguez

You are so brave , sending love and prayers your way .

$10.55

Shannon F

Take my money 💰💰💰

$5.28

Anonymous

$5.05

Cass

Love it Amy! You’re gonna rock it

$4.22

Anonymous

$3.78

Jared Transfield

I gave ‘em tree-fiddy