I am not a singer or a politician. Just Suzanne, a 63 year old woman who was diagnosed with early stage unilateral Breast Cancer (Oestrogen and HER2 positive) in 2017.

I have a strong, resilient body and so the diagnosis seemed to be meant for another me, a Suzanne in a parallel universe. I have always had difficulty reconciling myself with being a cancer patient. I felt like an imposter, as though I did not belong in the waiting room of cancer specialists. Yet there I was.

I was fortunate enough to receive the Golden Ticket referral to the wonderful Dr Willsher/Professor Chan team at Hollywood Hospital. With expertise, care and dedication they guided me through a maze of surgical and medical procedures which included a mastectomy, referral for reconstruction, chemotherapy, Herceptin infusions and Tamoxifen. Thanks to them, I have emerged through the final gate of the maze, healed and hopeful. I feel my prize of health and well-being is like a lovely garden I have been given to tend and nurture with care.

This story would not be complete without including my breast reconstruction with Plastic Surgeon, Dr Ian Timms. When I first walked into Dr Timms’s Clinic in Subiaco, I thought I would be the odd one out in a waiting room full of would-be Kim Kardashians. On the contrary, Dr Timms works hard to employ his wonderful surgery and artistry to a wide range of people including women like me. He has helped me to smile inside, to walk a little taller and to feel whole again. Now I have no need to dwell on what I have lost but work on the present and make something out of this messiness we call life.

My story ends with a biopsy. At the 5-year mark, I was expecting a gold star and to be sent on my merry way. Instead, I had need for a biopsy, this time on my healthy breast. I felt knocked silly by this final blow. I was no longer proceeding in ignorance.  I had travelled this road, and it had many hills and rough surfaces. I remember walking among the historic granite quarries near my home and found my favourite tree, a very old Cork Oak, planted back in the days when the quarries were being worked. Under its graceful canopy, I stood and cried. I pressed my face to the corky bark and felt comfort from the resilience of this beautiful tree.

After what seemed like an agonising wait, I received my results. My tears were unfounded. I never did receive that gold star, but I was pronounced clear of cancer and sent on my merry way.

Thank you to my three amazing specialists. And thank you to my family, both close and extended, for all those words of encouragement. They meant so much and helped me to stay strong and positive.

Suzanne’s story is featured in BCRC-WA’s Autumn 2023 Newsletter.