A Young Mother's Journey: Navigating Breast Cancer Postpartum
As a young mother of three children - Stefan, who is eight in October, Helena, who is six in August, and our little bundle of joy, Anastasia, who is one in May, life was a whirlwind of love and chaos. But in September 2023, just four months after welcoming Anastasia into the world, my life took an unexpected turn.
It all started when I found myself at Northern Beaches Hospital Emergency, battling jaundice. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a journey I never imagined I'd have to face: a diagnosis of hormonal metastatic breast cancer.
The news hit me like a ton of bricks. How could this happen? All three of my pregnancies had been incredibly straightforward, and I was told that I was being a healthy mother, not even experiencing a vitamin deficiency prior to the diagnosis.
But cancer doesn't care about our plans or how healthy we think we are. Suddenly, my world was filled with doctors’ appointments, treatments, and tough decisions about my health and my family's future.
Despite the challenges, I found strength in the love and support of my family. They are my reason to fight, my motivation to keep pushing forward especially on the hardest days. And through it all, I learned to lean on my community, finding solace in the love and support of my family, friends and my doctors, nurses and strangers alike who become like family on this part of my life journey.
As I continue on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of self-care and advocacy. Being a young mother facing breast cancer has its unique set of challenges, but I refuse to let it define me. It is part of my life story now among all the other parts, achievements that make up who I am. I am much more than my diagnosis; I am a fighter, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, a colleague and so much more.
My hope in sharing my story is to raise awareness about the realities of breast cancer, especially for young mothers like myself. Early detection and support are crucial, and I urge every woman to prioritize her health and well-being, no matter how busy life may get.
Together, we can overcome any obstacle, and with love and determination, I believe we can conquer even the toughest of battles. ??????
Did you know that every day 57 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer and 9 people lose their lives to this disease?
This June, we have made a pledge to WEAR IT, SHAVE IT or COLOUR IT and raise funds for world-class breast cancer research to help NBCF towards their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Please support our GO PINK pledge to save lives and make a difference.
Together, we can stop deaths from breast cancer.
