Lisa's Story

"I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a couple of weeks before Christmas 2004. I was 29 and 6 months pregnant. My husband had discovered a lump. I thought it was a milk duct but as I have a really bad family history I decided to get it checked out."

Hello to all.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a couple of weeks before Christmas 2004. I was 29 and 6 months pregnant. My husband had discovered a lump. I thought it was a milk duct but as I have a really bad family history I decided to get it checked out.

I had an ultrasound on the lump. The lady doing the ultrasound told me it didn't look like anything to worry about, go and have a great Christmas and that they'll probably send me for a biopsy because of my history.

I got in quickly for a biopsy and the doctor told me I should know the next day. That afternoon my local doctor rang me and gave me the news.

I was sent to Westmead Breast Centre and decided to have a lumpectomy and all lymph nodes removed. This happened 2 days before Christmas and I was out of hospital the next day, Christmas eve. There was no way I was going to miss Christmas day with my 2 1/2 year old son Jaiden.

Needless to say that wasn't my favourite Christmas. I couldn't even have a drink as I was pregnant and how attractive is it carrying a drain around?

The lump turned out to be 45mm diameter, however the lymph nodes were clear which was promising.

I started chemo in January 05. Had 2 cycles of FAC then booked in for a caesarian in February to deliver our 2nd son, Brock, 4 weeks early but very healthy and happy. He's now 1 and a very healthy 12kg.

Finished another 4 cycles of chemo and it felt great knowing that was it.

On my way to starting radiation at the end of June I lost control of my car in the rain and had a head on collision. A bit bruised but ok. My husband has now banned me from V8's!!

Finished radiation around September and very happy to be left alone for a while.

I had a blood test at the genetic clinic and it has been discovered that I have the gene BRCA1. They told me it means I have a 50% chance of breast cancer coming to the other side. My husband and I thought BUGGER THAT!!

I had a bilateral mastectomy on 21 February 06. They tested all the 'bits' and all is clear. Currently going through a reconstruction. Have the expander bags in. I'm going for a 'c' cup! I'm looking forward to summer this year where I can buy a bikini without padding and no more saggy boobs after breastfeeding our 1st son!!!

Hopefully this little story will give you all a bit of a laugh. I was doing the shopping the other day, running up and down the aisles trying to control my 2 boys. Jaiden bumped into a lady and I apologised. After turning the corner I noticed one of my fake boobs was sticking out the top of my shirt!!! The place was packed and I'm sure heaps of people would have seen it. I really had to laugh. I'm since a little more wary!

During my chemo I wasn't sick at all and didn't need to take the nausea medication. I'm really sorry for all those out there who feel so sick. They told me I'd lose my hair by the 2nd treatment. I still had hair at the end of my treatment. It was only a small rats tail but my new hair was growing through as the old hair was falling out so I'm proud to say I was never actually bald. I used to have long straight hair and really hated losing my hair. It's getting longer now and is a bit curly. I might look into hair extensions one day.

As soon as I was diagnosed my mother-in-law got me onto fresh fruit and vegie juices. She also gave me some natural powders which I took every day. I never used to believe in all those natural products but I honestly believe taking this stuff is what got me through so well. The doctors were very surprised and couldn't believe how well I was. I guess it makes sense that if you are putting so many good vitamins etc into your body it should make you feel better and boost your immune system.

I'm the type of person who keeps going whether I'm sick or not. I reckon that if you stay in bed or sulk on the lounge when you feel sick it only makes you feel worse so whenever I'm sick I just keep doing what I do. That's what works for me.

I would have to say having young kids to look after has also helped. You don't have time to be sick. Apart from healing from surgery I have continued to work 2 days a week and go to the gym 3 days a week. I didn't let this thing stop me from doing what I normally do. I'm better than it is and I'm tougher than it is.

Sure, I have days where I wonder 'what if' and if I feel a pain anywhere I immediately wonder about what little cells are floating around in my body but I try not to spend too much time dwelling on those sorts of things. It feels better when I'm happy.

I've had so much love and support from family and friends. I have a wonderful husband whom without I'm not sure if I would be so strong. He has never looked down on the way I look and is there for me whenever I need him. My mum and dad are close by and willing to give me anything I need. For most people it would be very hard with little kids going back and forth from the hospital but with my mum and dad I've never had to worry. I wish I could give them the world! My in-laws have also been fantastic. I'm very lucky with so many people thinking of me.

Good luck to all of you ladies out there, young and old. Try to be positive. Try to be tough. Show cancer that we can win!! That's what I intend to do and I can tell you one thing....... my boobs won't be down to my knees when I'm 60!!

Lisa