In 2010, 29 years old, I found a lump in my left breast one night and I feared the worst - breast cancer but I saw 2 doctors the next day and they examined me and shook their heads saying it cannot be cancer because I'm too young. I was referred to an Oncologist and after a couple of mammograms, ultrasounds, blood tests and biopsies it was revealed that I had Stage 3 invasive aggressive breast cancer. I was immediately scheduled for breast removal then chemotherapy; the worst one that they could give me and for around seven months, it was hell. Radiotherapy was next for eight weeks and had radiotherapy everyday on the left side of my chest. Meanwhile I also had genetic testing done and I found out that my BRCA gene had been inherited from my FATHERS side, my grandmother.
In 2012 I was back for a CT scan and some bad news - the cancer had returned in my bones and liver. My immediate thoughts were I didn't have much time to live. I went through a few chemo's because some would work for only months at a time. Currently I am receiving chemo intravenously and so far it is working; my cancers have shrunk. I believe that finding the right chemo is like trying to find the right little black dress that will fit; I just have to keep trying. I'm not terminally ill but I have a shortened life span. I accept that I am living WITH cancer, it is not taking over my life. I will not accept that the cancers will take my life any time soon. I remain positive, depression gets no one anywhere, I don't sweat the small stuff plus there are worse people out there than me.
Cancer does not discriminate no matter who you are - race, religion, sex or age. You have to be aware of your body and listen to your instincts. Take care of yourself and live your life, don't let anything hold you from your dreams because you won't get a second chance.
Port Pirie, Australia
