MO APA Fundraiser

Our Colleague's Story

Hi Everyone, 

With it currently being the national breast cancer awareness month, I thought I’d take this opportunity to reach out and let you all know what I’ve been through these past few months.  

On the 13^{th of} July during a shower routine self-check, I found a lump that felt like a marble, after freaking out I rang my GP and was referred immediately to mammogram and biopsy. By the 26^{th of} July I was told I had a slow growing breast cancer that needed to be taken out followed by radiation, however during this week I also discovered that on my father's side the BRCA gene has been identified which meant surgery was delayed whilst I went for bone scans, MRIs, and further biopsies to see if the cancer had spread. It hasn’t.  

On the 31^{st of} August I got an upgrade, I’m happy if in my life I never get upgraded again! My breast cancer had gone from a grade 1 to a grade 3 – which means its fast growing and I will now need months of chemotherapy and radiation.  

Chemo started 13^th September and continues fortnightly until the 8^{th of} November when it changes to weekly for 12x sessions. Radiation treatment starts around February next year and is every day for 4 weeks. Chemo is so scary. My bones hurt and I constantly feel like I am going to be sick. I’ve started taking my nausea tablets at 2am so I can function in this new ‘normal’ life. I’m walking everyday with my mum who moved close by and hired a nutritionist to ensure I’m doing everything I possibly can – I want to be able to control what I can control.  

Through this entire process I have had phenomenal support from the breast cancer council and the cancer council. By donating to the National breast cancer foundation, you’re supporting all people who face this disease and help with further research. My medical team know what’s wrong and know how to fix me which is obviously only due to research and awareness.  

I encourage everyone to self-check, get any lumps and bumps checked, be body aware and if possible, have private health insurance. If anyone wants to ask me anything about this process, please I am more than happy to chat. Refer me to your friends and family who need support or would like to know what it's like. I’ve started an Instagram page to give insights to my journey, you can follow me @smileandbreathe2021.  

To keep my brain working and fulfil a life goal, I purchased a piano and hired a teacher, by this time next year I’ll be playing Chopin.   

Thank you everyone, I’ve loved the flowers and gifts I’ve received and beautiful messages of support. Every message lifts my spirits and keeps me connected which is so important. Every day I am closer to a full recovery, and I look forward to seeing and working with everyone again.

Christy.