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 I can't believe that it has been two years since that day when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had just finished my 40th birthday celebrations when I was diagnosed. I was shocked when told that I had breast cancer, as I believed it was hereditary and although my mother and father both passed away with cancer, their cancer was not related. I had a full right breast mastectomy and chemotherapy for 6 months.
I have completed my treatment now and I'm back at full time work. The two years has been a very bumpy time for me and my family. Shortly after finishing my chemotherapy my brother, Laurence then 42, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He's a farmer in Kununnurra, WA and to ensure he could get the best possible treatment moved to Melbourne to receive his treatment. He has now completed his treatment and returned home to the joy of his wife Karin and children, James, Declan and Kiara. Just recently, January 2002, my youngest sister, Rachel (30) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She is recently married and also living in Kununnurra. Again, so she could receive her treatment she decided to move to Sydney and live with our sister, Nicola while receiving her treatment. She is only beginning her road to recovery but is very positive and focused on getting better.
Breast Cancer Network Australia was a wonderful support for me and I know will be a wonderful support to her. I am forwarding on your email address and NSW contact details so she can join the group and feel part of a group who are "in the know".
The family has now decided to participate in genetic testing to see if any other members of the family, (siblings included) have the cancer gene. Hopefully, this will assist in early detection of cancer and help minimize the effects cancer has on the individual and family members.
I would like to make a special thank you to my beautiful daughter, Tasha (14). Her strength and compassion helped me get through the rough times. She was always there for me whether it was a cup of tea or just sitting and having a chat. To doing all the housework, mowing the lawns, paying the bills you name it she did it willingly. She even managed to keep up her homework! I have been blessed with such a wonderful special daughter, she made me, and continues to make me, a very proud mum.
Jane Murphy diagnosed at age 40, writing in March 2002
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Jane Murphy 
