Andy- February Member of the Month

My first wake up call to breast cancer was in 1999, I was 22 years old and had just returned from a 14 month working holiday / honeymoon around the world. I had settled happily back into life on the Sunshine Coast but after 2 months, I got the phone call that no-one ever wants to hear – my Mum had breast cancer – it was very aggressive, taking only 2 weeks to turn into a big bad tumour. So I immediately flew to North Qld to be with her during her surgery. My Mum endured what seemed like an eternity of chemo and radiation, which I wished I could have been there more often for…..

It was during this time, post treatment, that we began to hear from her cousins – “Did you hear about such and such?” It seemed it such a small space of time that the whole extended family had a story to tell. Breast cancer here, ovarian cancer there. All in all, I think around 8 from 11 or 12 relatives, across two generations had been diagnosed. I am so lucky to still have my Mum, but not everyone was so lucky.

So began our journey on the Genetic testing path – I believe that we were among the first families in Qld to be offered this new service. My Mum and several of her cousins tested positive to the BRAC2 gene. While we have relatives who declined the offer, my sister and I, both with trepidation, went ahead with the testing. My sister got the all clear but unfortunately I was not so lucky. It was 2005, I was 32 years old and I had a two year old and a six week old…..

I will always remember my first trip into the Family History Clinic in Brisbane – my sister came with me for moral support and we had to bring my baby girl because I was feeding her and they told us it might take a while. The looks of what I thought pity (and in hindsight realise were probably compassion) from the other, mostly older ladies at the clinic will stay with me forever. I remember sitting outside and trying nervously to express my milk as fast as could so they could examine me properly. It was the first time they’d ever had breast milk in the fridge there!!

I have to say my initial reaction to BRCA was, “Right, Take them off, both of them and now. I’m going to do this on my terms, I’m not going to play Russian Roulette and wait for it to get me. I’ve seen what my Mum had to endure to get through to the other side – I don’t know if I can do that now. I have my babies to consider – that’s all I could think of. I have to be around to watch them grow up.

At the clinic, they didn’t seem to think this was the best way to go. They advised me - finish feeding, take some time and think about it. Surveillance is very good these days.

So began my annual treks to Brisbane for check ups – every September. From about August my brain would go into overdrive and I would dread it. The mammograms were always the worst. I had such small breasts anyway, to feel them become paper thin was just the worst. Each and every year I had to have double up ultrasound because my breast tissue was so lumpy and fibrous. The stress your brain goes through, “what are they going to find today?” was enormous. And this was in addition to the monthly freakout from my lumpy boobs which always happened during each period!!!

Anyhow in September 2009, I dutifully returned for my check up – they found a lump in the R breast, which they were happy to put down to a cyst. Minor meltdown only on my part. (I just felt like I was walking an emotional tightrope on those check up days.)

The Clinic director, who was fabulous, recommended that I take part in a new programme where MRI’s are included as part of the annual check up. I was very happy because 2 years earlier I had paid $600 for an MRI just for my own peace of mind. So off I went…

Got the phone call, Friday 13^th November, at 4.30pm, don’t you love the timing. “There are highly suspicious findings on the Left side and you need to come back to Brisbane first thing Monday morning.” That was a good weekend.

Back at the clinic, they couldn’t find anything at all on the ultrasound. There was general confusion – especially for me. So I was referred to the amazing Professor Owen Ung to see what could be done, as needle biopsy was not an option.

So during that week, looking down the barrel of an open biopsy (surgery required) I decided, “You know what, if I’m going to have surgery and a chunk taken out of me – they may as well do it properly and take the lot, all of it – ovaries included.” If I have to face this drama each year, it would feel like death by a thousand cuts.

So on December 9^th 2009, I had my surgery, the one stop shop, straight to implants and early menopause (Yay the hot flushes!!)

But I have to tell you, it is a price I am more than happy to pay. If I had a dollar for every time my little ones said “I missed you so much mummy while you were at hospital” I would be a very rich girl. Every time I feel a nerve twinge or a power surge coming on, I just remind myself of all the time I will now have with my wonderful, supportive family and friends– breast cancer free, results clear, no further treatment required. YAY!!

Now I’m going to do everything I possibly can to ensure my little girl has a smoother path if and when we have to cross that bridge…

Until then, I am going to live each day, appreciate all the little things in life and try to be the person I’ve always wanted to be.

Love and best wishes to all on your journey’s.

Andy J