I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005. I was 27 and knew of no previous family history. I noticed a lump in my right breast and immediately saw my doctor who then sent me for tests - ultrasound, fine needle aspiration and core biopsy.
When I went to get the results, I could tell from my GP's face that the results were not good. I think she almost cried giving me the news. I was referred to a breast surgeon who performed a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy. They found cancer in my sentinel nod e so they removed more lymph nodes which came back clear. I then had chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. At the time of the radiotherapy, one of the machines in Canberra broke down so I had to move for Wagga for six weeks! Luckily my father-in-law lives there.
I came home on weekends and kept active as much as possible during treatment, working when I could. I was in hospital twice with a high temperature. I was in hospital for New Year's Eve, but I remember being grateful that they didn't find an infection.
They told me that I did very well to find the tumour as it was less than 1.5 cm. I kept thinking, if I'd done a check the month before could I have found it earlier? But with no family history, I didn't really think to be so aware. I've just had my check-ups and there is no sign of cancer.
While having chemotherapy, mum found a lump in her breast. She was 45, and had it checked out because of what I was going through. Yep, mum had breast cancer too. Same type as mine, and also with sentinel node involvement with the rest clear. So here begins our family history!
Mum's just finished treatment. We've since found out that my grandmother died from ovarian cancer in her 40s. Mum was always told it was cervical. What a significant mistake! It's so important to know your family history so you can act upon it.
We've also seen a genetic counsellor and discussed the option of a genetic test. I was booked in but then decided against it because of the negative impact it could have on my two younger sisters (aged eight and 12). If a gene mutation was discovered, it might be difficult to get life insurance. Mum decided against it too. We may choose to have it done later on but for now it's not our choice.
I thank my family and friends, medical team and the clinic staff for their love and support during my treatment.
--Vanessa
