Karen, Australia

Hi My name is Karen I am 58 years old and live in Brisbane with my husband of 38 years and 27 year old son. In June 2023 I had my regular 2 yearly mammogram. I was contacted by Breast screen Australia to come back for some more tests(non urgent), so I booked in for 6 weeks time as I was going away for a few days, was busy at work etc. When I mentioned to my husband he said ring them back and get in as soon as you can, for once I followed his advice. I went through the whole gammet of testing at QE2 Hospital, the day started out with probably 40 women when I left after 5 hours I was the last one. The nurse asked me if the Dr had said anything I said no, so she said okay that's good come back next week for your results. I thought it was something benign. I had no family history of any cancer. One week  later myself and my husband attended the appointment. The Dr introduced himself and informed me that I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer HER 2+. I didn't no what to think, my husband was in shock. We left there and all I could say to my husband was it is no use crying about it I just need to get on and seek medical help and trust in what the Dr offer me. On the way home in the car I contacted my GP to make an appointment. I was googling oncologist  at GPH. Later that day I had the gp appointment who got me an appointment with the oncologist and the surgeon. After lots of tests and scans my protocol was chemo for 12 rounds, immunotherapy every 3 weeks, surgery and radiation. I had great support from my husband, son and sister. I started my treatment the chemo was rough, I got diarrhoea after treatments,my skin broke out in sores, my oncologist assured me that they were skin cancers being treated by the chemo. I had just started my dream job in Jan 2023, teacher. I had to stop work immediately, I was devastated. After 5 rounds of chemo I was at the end of my treatment when I had a massive anaphylactic reaction. I spent the night in hospital. My oncologist told me the next day that I was unable to have anymore chemo as I would die. I think this was the first time that I actual thought this thing might kill me. I continued on with 3 weekly immunotherapy. I had 6 months off work. I was champing at the bit to go back. My oncologist sent me for a scan prior to returning to . The initial scan I had showed a tumour in my left breast ,my  left lymph node and a 9cm one in my liver (which was inoperable). I went for the scan and it felt like I was waiting for ages to find out if the chemo had worked. The oncologist rang me and all she said was it has all gone. I could not have asked for better. All 3 tumours had shrunk. I then went back to the surgeon who told me that I would not need surgery, even better news. The plan was for me to have immunotherapy every 3 weeks for life, regular echecho cardiographs, regular blood tests and pet scans. For 1 year I put up with a cannula this was a very stressful thing for me, the nurses weren't always able to access my veins the first time. I finely gave in in September 2024 and had a portacath inserted.  Whilst this has made access for blood test and treatments , it is not always accessed easily. When it was inserted it is tilted, I have had days when it takes a couple of attempts. In 2024 I had another reaction to one of the immunotherapy drugs, whilst it wasn't as bad as the first reaction I know have to take loratadine the day before treatment,  and the day of treatment,  I also have phenergan and lolorazapam (restless legs). This means that I am very drowsy and always need someone with me as I am unable to drive after treatment. Since having the portacath I have had  to have bloods taken every 3 weeks rather than 6 weekly. I went back to work part time in 2024, which was good for my mental health. When I was diagnosed a sister of a co-worker who had also had breast cancer told me to take it one day at a time as plans change. I also made it a point to listen to my Drs and only googled if there was a term I needed to know otherwise you got so overwhelmed by all the info and stories. When I was in chemo I was lucky that I did not lose all my hair, I went to cancer council and was given a wig this was a lovely experience that I shared with my sister. When it was too hot to wear this I purchased some cheap head coverings. I would match my outfits , head coverings and earrings it made me feel better when going out. I joined the wellness group at GPH and have meet some wonderful women who have showed amazing courage. I participated in the Look Good Feel Good workshop which was amazing, I rarely wore make up prior to this. I now get up everyday and apply my make up, again it makes me feel good. I also try to attend the creative days where we get to make some lovely craft projects. The cancer wellness centre is a fabulous initiative that welcomes you and offers lots of information. I was lucky enough to find another group of ladies who also had cancer diagnoses and we meet up once a month for lunch. While my family and friend  have given me amazing support, only another cancer patient can truly understand. While it is devastating being told you have cancer that is not curable , I do feel lucky because I am able to have treatment that keeps it at bay. I am doing well and hope it continues that way.