Meatballs and Muffins

It’s been a year since my last post on Meatballs and Muffins and it’s not due to a lack of enjoyment or desire.

The truth is I spent the year either in hospital getting treatment for breast cancer or at home recovering from the effects of it.

As I am a private person, I find it really difficult to openly share personal stories. However, I feel compelled to open up about my cancer experience to help raise awareness about the importance of breast screening. So, here’s the short version of my journey in the hope that it inspires you to prioritise your health and consider booking a breast screen if you haven’t done so already.

Two years ago, I went for a breast screen which I was overdue for. As I’ve had numerous screenings over the years, I didn’t think anything of this one. The screening process was, as I expected, quick, easy, and only slightly uncomfortable. The radiographer was very gentle, respectful, and a lovely lady. I left the room feeling confident everything was fine and went about my normal day.

Two weeks later, I received a phone call late on a Friday afternoon from a lady I didn’t know, but as soon as she told me where she was from, I froze. A call from Breast Screening Victoria was the last thing I expected, so I knew it couldn’t be good news.

She told me they found a lump on my mammogram that required further investigation immediately. She explained that I needed to attend the hospital for a more thorough mammogram, but as it was late Friday, the earliest appointment available was the following Tuesday morning. That was the beginning of my nightmare and a wild rollercoaster ride I never thought I would have to go on.

After further tests and a biopsy, I was told I had a grade 3 invasive carcinoma that was Her-2 positive. I had no idea what this meant, but it didn’t sound good. All I could think about was that I might die and how was I going to tell my family.

Telling my family, and especially my mum, was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I actually couldn’t bring myself to use the word “cancer” when I told my mum for fear of what the news might do to her.

Before I knew it, the rollercoaster started and I was sitting in the office of who was to be my breast surgeon. A week later, I had an appointment with an oncologist who told me that although I had been diagnosed with one of the most aggressive breast cancers, fortunately it was found early and could be treated. Thank you Breast Screening Victoria.

With my treatment plan finalised, it was quickly set in motion with 3 months of gruelling chemotherapy, followed by surgery, then 19 sessions of exhausting radiation therapy, and finally 12 months of immunotherapy—what a ride!

Now that I’m almost 12 months post treatment, I often think about what I went through. Although I am now cancer free and in good physical health, I am still working on overcoming the psychological effects of my journey.

Navigating the challenges of cancer treatment has been tough but has also given me a newfound appreciation for life’s little moments and the strength within me.

Cancer has taught me not to take life for granted and that prioritising important things like spending time with the people I love and looking after my health can be lifesaving.

So, if you’re a woman, do yourself and your loved ones a huge favour and book a breast screen right NOW. It’s quick, easy and free for women over 40+ and it may just save your life.

Thanks for reading my story and I wish you good health.
Vicki