Gayle’s Story

"As with most TGs I get very anxious when I am awaiting the results of scans and tests."

My experience with cancer started with my mother being diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 45.  Back then it wasn’t discussed much, but she recovered after surgery and is still alive (in a Nursing Home) at 94.  There is apparently some genetic history, but not related to the BRCA genes.

From the time I was 21 I had a very stressful period caring for my father and, as the oldest daughter, arranging for him to be admitted to a Nursing Home until his death. I often wonder whether these stresses pre-disposed me to developing cancer.

In November 1990 (when I was 35) it was my husband, Steve, who queried the breast lump I had just found.  We had 3 children aged 4,6, and 7 and it was hectic preparing for Christmas, so I did not see my GP until January.  He made an appointment for me to see a specialist straight away and I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.  I was angry, and thought “it’s not going to get me” as I was fully occupied with my young family.   After they found 2 lumps in my breast, my only treatment was surgery.  It took a long time to get fitter and move more freely as they’d taken out a number of lymph nodes.  Steve was a tremendous support to me, and his work (a bank) allowed him to take as much time as needed to help with the family.  I improved and that was it!

In 1996, at a routine check-up, a thickening was found in the other breast.  Breast cancer! Again, I had no other treatment but a mastectomy, but “I fell apart” and was very upset.  Life gradually went back to normal, and I attended Monash Medical Centre for almost 20 more years.  In January 2018, I felt something like “a bloating on my neck” and didn’t realise it could be cancer.  Stage 4!!!  It was a dark time of my life.  I never dreamt that I would get cancer 3 times.  I was treated with Letrozole (which I’m still on) and eventually with Kisqali.  I recently had 10 weeks rest from Kisqali as it causes lung damage.  I had pneumonia 3 times last year and was in hospital once.  I regularly see a psychologist who has been very helpful. As with most TGs I get very anxious when I am awaiting the results of scans and tests.   (I also have a past history of a very annoying cough, which has improved somewhat, as well as being treated by a neurologist for face pain – an aching under my cheek bones).

I joined Thursday Girls prior to Christmas 2019 and find it helpful to share experiences.  I am closely involved with my family, whom I normally see a couple of times a week.  My older son has 2 boys and a girl, and my daughter has 2 young boys.  My middle son is not married.  At this period of isolation due to COVID-19, I really miss my grandchildren.  Otherwise, as long as I have good books and access to the TV I am OK.