My cancer journey began on a Friday in early January 2021, when I headed off to the Mount Hospital without a care in the world.  I had an appointment for my first mammogram and ultrasound at age 41 because I thought that it was a good idea.  My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, so starting routine breast cancer surveillance was always at the forefront of my mind.  I was expecting to be told that the scans were clear and to return in a few years.  Unfortunately, although the mammogram was normal, the ultrasound was not, and I had to undergo a biopsy.  When the GP called me to deliver the news that the biopsy results were also abnormal, I was sent into a terrifying spin of panic and distress.  I could not believe the words that I was hearing.  The GP quickly referred me to Specialist Breast Surgeon, Dr Willsher, who had successfully treated my mum 13 years prior.   Four days later, I was listening intently to him explain the details of my cancer and deliver the extensive treatment plan that would be required.  This included surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and endocrine therapy for a stage 1, grade 3, hormone receptor positive, HER2 positive, invasive ductal carcinoma.  When chemotherapy was mentioned, I immediately burst into tears.  It was very surreal, and I was in a complete state of shock.

Following the appointment, I was referred to Dawn, a Specialist Breast Care Nurse who gave me more details about what would happen next.  She told me that I had to first focus on the surgery.  My mind was racing all over the place and all I could think of was that I would lose all my hair and not be able to continue to work.  I had been working long hours as a Physiotherapist at Hollywood Hospital and it felt very strange to suddenly go from treating patients in the hospital to becoming a patient myself.  The situation felt very grim, and I could not see any way forward.  Dawn then mentioned that there was a way to retain my hair with the use of the cold cap system.  This immediately gave me a glimmer of hope that I held onto tightly.  Dawn remained by my side throughout the entire journey from that day onwards, through the 12 months of intensive treatment and beyond.  She was always there to listen and give me invaluable advice as well as calmly guide me through many stressful situations.  Dawn was absolutely amazing, and I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me over the past two and a half years since my diagnosis.

Dawn quickly referred me to the psychology service available for all patients under the care of the Perth Breast Cancer Institute where I met Francoise, a Clinical Psychologist.  Francoise has taken me through my entire cancer journey from the initial diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship.  She has listened to me talk for many hours about my fears and anxieties but also celebrate my successes and achievements, always with so much compassion and understanding.   Francoise provided me with strategies to overcome the many challenges I faced as a young woman with a cancer diagnosis and has helped transform me into the strong and resilient person I am now.  I feel very blessed to have had the incredible support from both Dawn and Francoise, providing me with their reassurance and guidance during one of the most difficult and challenging times of my life.

After experiencing another minor hurdle where I was required to return to theatre for a second surgery, I was referred to Medical Oncologist, Professor Chan, for the next step in the treatment plan.  After explaining the chemotherapy regime, she straight away suggested that I use the cold cap.  This again gave me hope and it turned out to be a great success as I was able to retain all my hair.  The cold cap was an absolute deal-breaker in this journey.  I was prepared to endure whatever side effects I might have from the treatment, however losing my hair was one of my biggest fears.  I am forever grateful that I was given access to this amazing technology which gave me so much confidence and had an enormous impact on my mental health.  I returned to work in a part-time capacity at the start of the chemotherapy and was able to continue playing netball.