Joy

JOY

Joy Breast Cancer Survivor

I was diagnosed after a routine mammogram with the mobile BreastScreen van at Bateau Bay.

When I received a letter to come back for more tests, I was not concerned as I had previously been called back but it was a false alarm. However, this time I was diagnosed with early cancer in both breasts.

Within the week, I had surgery to remove both cancers. I then had to undergo radiation treatment for six weeks and then it was taking medication for five years.

From the initial mammogram to diagnosis to surgery, it was only three weeks. It all seemed to happen very quickly. Suddenly, I had a lot of appointments to attend!

The low point? I guess it was a fall at home after surgery and tearing my rotator cuff, so having to get my arms above my head for the radiation treatment was quite painful. After about three weeks, I also developed radiation burns and my skin started to peel and the nurse had to apply paw paw cream and dressings to my breasts.

The high point? I was delighted when my radiation oncologist cancelled my last two treatments. It felt like all my Christmases had come at once!

I must say though, aside from the side effects of radiotherapy, at no time did I even think I had cancer because the standard of care on the Coast was simply so good!


Joy's Motto: "Mammograms and imaging are your friends not your enemies. You can catch something early or rejoice if nothing is found. Either way you're ahead of the game."


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