Narre Warren, Vic
Diagnosed age 36
My daughter would like to be a hairdresser when she is older, so I let her cut my hair once it started falling out. She wanted to help and I think this was her way of dealing with it. My son also had a cut of my hair. It was a fun time for them, but was depressing for me, but it helped having the kids involved during this time.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2006. I was 36 years of age. The big question was how my husband and I would explain this to our 2 children, Eden, 14, and Kyle, 10. My daughter, Eden, was devastated. She screamed and cried. Once I explained to her that we had caught it early and the lump was small, she calmed down.
I had a lumpectomy in October. The following month was hard on my son Kyle. He wouldn't talk to us about what he was feeling and he had anger, which he took out on my husband, Andrew. I had spoken to the principal at his school, and arranged counselling, which helped immensely.
I started chemo in November and I explained to my kids I would lose my hair, eyebrows and lashes. They were sad but they knew this treatment would help me. My daughter would like to be a hairdresser when she is older, so I let her cut my hair once it started falling out. She wanted to help and I think this was her way of dealing with it. My son also had a cut of my hair. It was a fun time for them, but was depressing for me, but it helped having the kids involved during this time.
I tried to keep working through chemo, but some days were difficult, especially when my manager was not very compassionate. The people I work with were great. After chemo I started radiation. After radiation I was to have my ovaries removed. When I visited my gynaecologist, he suggested a hysterectomy, which I was not expecting. So I agreed, "just do it". I called my Oncologist, and he said I made the right decision. He was very kind, caring and understanding. I am so glad my specialist referred me to him. He always returned my calls when I wanted to speak with him.
My family and friends have been so supportive through this journey. My mum had breast cancer 17 years ago, and her mother passed away with cancer. My daughter is aware she will need to examine herself in the future and for the rest of her life. In September it will be 12 months since I was first diagnosed, and we have planned to go to Thailand for a relaxing holiday after this difficult journey.
I want to thank the Beacon team for sending me their magazine, as I found it to be very rewarding, reading stories from other survivors, some made me cry. But knowing these people had this disease and are alive and well, are an inspiration.
Last Updated 7 December 2007
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Vannessa Estigarribia 
