Early detection has saved my life

Nicole had known a couple of women with breast cancer, and tried to remember to check her breasts on the first of each month.

She had some small lumps that required ultrasounds while she was breast feeding, which turned out okay. Then, late in December 2023, she found a pea-sized lump in her left breast and a second lump lower on her left breast. 

“When I had my mammogram and ultrasound, they discovered another 3 lumps close to my chest wall that I could not feel at all,” Nicole said.

By January, Nicole had been diagnosed with HER2 negative breast cancer.

“It came as a real shock to me at 41 with no family history and someone who was so fit and healthy to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I had no other signs or symptoms and didn't know many other women my age that had been diagnosed, so it was scary to receive that initial phone call and hear those words, 'you have breast cancer'.” 

The next day she attended an appointment with breast surgeon Eva Koo at Barwon Health in Geelong. She booked in for a skin- sparing mastectomy of her left breast and removal of four lymph nodes.

Four rounds of chemotherapy and three weeks of radiotherapy were followed by hormone therapy, a monthly injection and daily oral medication after radiotherapy.

“My family and friends are an amazing support. They gathered around me and organised meals and helped with so many different things that I didn't even know I would need,” Nicole said.

“My family in particular have found it difficult to see me go through this, but they have been cheering me on and celebrating each stage with me as I have passed it.”

Nicole’s breast surgeon recommended the BCNA website for trustworthy information.

“This was very good advice and helped me a lot because the BCNA website and Online Network forum were a great support,” she said.

“I also met my breast care nurses and they were so supportive and always available to answer questions and help guide me.” 

With 1 in 7 women being diagnosed with breast cancer, Nicole says she hopes to raise awareness around checking your breasts on a monthly basis and advises women to know their bodies and act immediately if there are changes.

“Cancer doesn't discriminate, I didn't tick any of the boxes to put me at risk, and it is now part of my story,” she says. “Early detection has saved my life and I want that to be the story for other women!” 

Nicole’s husband and daughters are closer than ever, with the family prioritising time together, weekends away, and intentionally slowing things down in order to enjoy each moment together.  

“I know I can't change my diagnosis, but I can choose each day to remain positive, strong, and cherish each day by slowing down just a little,” said Nicole.  

“Breast cancer has strengthened my faith even more because I have had to let go of the control and trust the process – nobody knows what the future holds.

“I have a very strong faith and a peace that I will get through this and come out the other end stronger than ever."