Annie’s Story

"Now, in 2017, I have had many happy times with family and friends" ...

Hi, my name is Annie, I was born in April 1955 and am married and have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. My profession was as a registered nurse and midwife, working mostly as a midwife and now retired.

I have a strong family history of breast cancer, with no gene identified so far. My mother died at 41, when I was a toddler, my sister died at 36. I have two other sisters who have both had a primary breast cancer.

Following my sister’s death when she was just 36 yrs. I opted for a bilateral preventative mastectomy. I then stopped worrying and got on with my life. I was 32.

Almost 12 years later, just before my 44th birthday in 1999 I was diagnosed with a small low grade cancer found by me in my scar tissue. I discovered it when stretching and felt a tightness. I knew immediately and was devastated and sure I would die within 2 yrs. My youngest son was just 8.

Fortunately I didn’t die and with some basic treatment I remained stable for another 8.5 yrs. It took me several years to truly get my head around the fact that I wasn’t going to die, that there were many new treatments and constant research into treatment of breast cancer. I could live my life with a positive outlook.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with spread (metastases) to bone, then in 2008 to the brain. Once again, I felt my life was very threatened. Treatments included radiotherapy to sternum and to brain, combined with several chemotherapies. It was in October 2007 that I joined Thursday Girls group. I remember crying a lot in those early sessions. Yet the group provided me with the opportunity to express my fears, plus my hopes and my dreams. It was a great support and gave breathing space for me at a time when I felt lost.

Between us we share knowledge and a wealth of information and knowledge about current treatments as well as latest research. We laugh and we cry together, and we learn how to live life well and we come to understand death. We support each other through highs and lows and everything in between.

Now, in 2017, I have had many happy times with family and friends. My husband and I have had 3 overseas trips and done many things I never thought I would do in my life, i.e. some pretty rugged white water rafting in the south of France, and challenging my fear of heights by climbing a 60 metre tree in Western Australia. Both terrifying and exhilarating.

I have had many years of good health, interspersed with needing to have new treatments. I am mostly healthy, and feel extremely grateful to have seen my children grow, and to now have grandchildren. My youngest son is turning 27 in a few months. Who would have thought?

Life with metastatic cancer is often overwhelmingly difficult. It is always with you. At times treatments are frightening and debilitating. Yet it can also offer you a new appreciation of everyday life, and of the wonderful moments, experiences and love that are available if you so choose.  (September, 2017)