Sue’s Story

My mother had breast cancer at 39 and again at 59 and passed away at 61. With this family history and that I had multiple lumps, cysts and dense breasts, I had been seeing a breast surgeon for many years. Always needing FNA or core biopsies following annual mammography and ultrasounds. Thankfully several years ago my surgeon recommended MRIs annually on the alternate 6 months due to dense, complex breast tissue.

I was diagnosed with highly ER+ breast cancer at 56 in 2013. The Nov 2012 mammo / U/S were clear but the May 2013 MRI showed a 30mm tumour plus 3 large positive nodes with invasion by 1. Even though the location was known, the tumour did not show up on Mammo or U/S. After seeing a reconstructive plastic surgeon, I elected to have a bilateral mastectomies as I had to pay for MRIs and was concerned that if I couldn’t afford them, I would have no reliable surveillance.

Genetic testing at Peter Mac at the time of diagnosis was clear but testing this year at the Garvin Institute (MoST program) showed 9 genetic mutations related to breast cancer.

Surgery followed in June 2013 and chemo and radiotherapy. Unfortunately dreadful RT burns and infections required redoing of the recon, 18 months of antibiotics, 9 ops and 36 admissions to hospital. Not my best year but then I was well for 6 years!

In March 2019 I had routine blood tests which showed liver dysfunction. As I was asymptomatic and healthy it was thought to be post viral as I had been nursing in 3rd world countries. A repeat test showed I was in liver failure and autoimmune, viral and tumour marker test were done. The liver U/S showed I had liver mets that had replaced almost all the hepatic tissue and was told 2-3 months prognosis if urgent chemo was not effective. A liver biopsy showed the tumour had mutated and was now triple negative. I was told the cancer was incurable but chemo may control it.

The Abraxane worked really well for ½ the course then stopped working as the tumour was thought to have mutated again. I have since been on Eribulin, Capecetabine, Carboplatin and now Gemcitabine. None of which have done much. If tests this week do not show any effect then I will try Liposomal Doxorubicin. It is 12 months since this metastatic diagnosis and I have cerebral mets that were treated with RT but I am still well and able to do most things, albeit at a slower pace.

I have had a very fulfilling life with a wonderful husband, son, DIL and 2 gorgeous grandsons and a dream career in nursing. My Christian faith sustains me and God has certainly given me a wonderful support network of friends and family. I have my treatment at St Vincent’s Private in East Melbourne where I worked for 10 years. Treatment is quite social as I know all the people and have been blessed with my medical and nursing team. I have never had to wait more than 2 says for any treatment or test.

Liz T. introduced me to Thursday Girls in Dec 2019 and I truly value the Thursday chats, friendship and support. It is reassuring to be with people who understand the rollercoaster ride I am on. I value your strength, resilience and honesty and the warm welcome I received. You are all amazing.

April 30th 2020