Shaya’s Story
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. For me, that curveball came at the age of 28 when I saw a noticeable lump in my right breast.
After putting it off for a week, I went to see my GP who sent me for an ultrasound that afternoon. She tried to reassure me with the words “You’re young so it’s probably nothing” but I now know breast cancer, and cancer in general, does not discriminate, there are many of us who are diagnosed young.
Living in Kalgoorlie at the time and having a family, my husband and our beautiful two-year-old son, it was either fight or flight, and I chose to fight. Within days we were travelling 600kms away from home to our nearest city, Perth, where my life was overtaken by medical tests, waiting rooms and discussions with my medical team. This marked the beginning of my journey at BCRC-WA.
At my first consultation, I had the privilege of meeting Dr Kallyani Ponniah. She was direct and realistic laying out the facts and treatment plans however also very reassuring. There most certainly must not be an easy way to let someone know they have cancer but I left that appointment with a newfound strength and courage looking forward. I was then referred to medical oncologist Dr Peter Lau who is undoubtedly an expert in what he does. He is caring, compassionate and has a profound wealth of knowledge – always being able to answer any concerns or questions I had. With Dr Ponniah and Dr Lau on my side, I had the confidence that I would get through treatment and that this would all eventually feel like a strange dream.
Cath, who many patients know and love, has played such an important role throughout my journey. She was there to guide me on my first day of chemo and regularly checked up on me to see how I was doing. Always one phone call or email away and came to see me right before I went in for surgery.
I was also fortunate enough to be able to receive genetic counselling with Bhavya Vora. Together we went through my family history of cancer, he helped me get a better understanding of how this could have happened, what it could mean to other family members and provided informed and appropriate treatment choices after we knew my results.
My treatment consisted of six months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a double mastectomy with targeted axillary dissection and I will soon be starting 5 weeks of radiation. I can see that the end is near and this would not have been possible without the amazing team at BCRC-WA.
Throughout my journey there are a few things I have learnt and would love to share:
- It’s ok to ask for help. Whether that be because you’re having a hard time with the side effects of treatment or struggling emotionally. Let your oncologist know as they will be able to help and there are resources, such as seeing a Clinical Psychologist, available at BCRC-WA for both patients and their families.
- Joy shouldn’t go away and it’s ok to continue to do things that make you happy.
- Celebrate even the simplest and smallest of wins. You got out of bed and got dressed when you weren’t feeling the best? Great! You were able to take a walk! So good! You ate something even though you were feeling nauseous? Well done! Be proud of yourself.
- You are your biggest advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask something because no question is ever a silly question. (Sorry Dr Lau for the many questions I had after spending hours on Dr Google haha!)
- And last but not least BREAST CANCER DOES NOT DEFINE YOU.
As I sat waiting to go into my very first appointment at BCRC-WA I came across Cara’s story of hope which I resonated with as we were both similar in age when diagnosed. I told myself that day I wanted to be able to share my story to hopefully give at least one other person hope that I received reading her story.
To anyone reading this, whether you are at the start of your journey, the middle or towards the end. Just know that this too shall pass, and you will one day look back on everything you’ve been through and realise just how capable you are. Breast cancer takes so much from you, but you learn things about yourself that you never would have without it.
So to the amazing team at BCRC-WA, thank you for creating a welcoming and safe environment and for the impact you all have on the lives of patients and their families. Thank you to my beautiful family I would not be in the position I am today without you all.
And last but not least to my Theo, mum did it – she won.
Share Your Story
Are you a patient of the PBCI and would like to share your story with breast cancer as part of our Stories of Hope series on our website and Newsletter?
We love hearing our patient’s stories and sharing them with others at the very beginning of theirs. For more information on how to be involved, contact us.
