Melanie's Story

My name is Melanie and I am a 32 year old woman. I was at very high risk of developing breast cancer. I lost my mum in August 2005 at age 53, my maternal grandmother at age 54 and there was another diagnosis in that direct line and she was in her late 30’s. I had two lumps removed when I was 30 years old.

Not long after I lost my mum I bumped into one of her friends (of the same age), who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 2^nd time and she begged me to investigate genetic testing or even risk reducing surgery.

I am a very pro active person and I started my research. My mother said when she was diagnosed ‘I knew it would get me one day, I just didn’t know when’, where as I was determined that I would not sit back and wait for it to happen to me.

I contacted various places for information, the Cancer helpline was my first point of call, then the familial cancer service, the Breast centre at Westmead, the internet and then various other Dr’s and nurses.

Within a very short period of time I had made the decision to have a Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.

Having all of my breast tissue removed has taken me from a possible 40-80% chance of getting breast cancer to a less than 1% chance. This is peace of mind that I could never have achieved without this procedure. It is a very empowering decision and I could not be happier with the result. I have been genetically tested and have not yet received the results.

Many people have said to me that I am brave and that it was a radical decision, but when you are in the hot seat (as I see it) and you have been through what I have watching my mum, my nanna etc suffer this horrible disease, it is an easy and welcome decision.

I am married and have 3 young children. I want to grow old with my husband and watch my kids grow up.

Being through this whole journey with my mum and recognising the pattern has highlighted to me the importance of awareness and prevention. I feel that it is extremely important to raise awareness – thus increasing prevention and show women that there are other alternatives available to prevent breast cancer, especially if you are at high risk.

I also believe it is very important that I share my story and let people know that you can have a procedure like this and still come out with a good looking pair of breasts.

As soon as anyone hears the word ‘mastectomy’, they panic and think they won’t feel attractive anymore, but they do a great job nowadays with reconstruction and I am complimented on my new breasts all the time! I had the mastectomy less than 12 months ago and I am now a 12D, I can wear a low cut top or even a cosie and you would never know!

More importantly to me, they are now ‘safe breasts’ and don’t carry the risk they did previously.

I have been on the Channel 7 Sunrise program, the Woman’s day and am going to write a book to continue to try and raise awareness by sharing my experience and I hope this helps as well.