FROM FIGHTING TO LIVING
M y original diagnosis came in 2018 when I was 39. My partner bumped into me and I felt some pain in my left chest. Both my mum and sister have had breast cancer and I have two sisters with a BRCA2 gene mutation, so we needed to get it checked. I had a biopsy and, within a week, I was having a mastectomy. I had three months of chemotherapy and then started Generally, I took everything in my stride. It was challenging, but the future looked bright. I had just started a new career as a psychiatric nurse and mental health key clinician. By Christmas 2021, the cancer had spread to my ribs, but I still had a long-term prognosis. Between 10 to 30 years was still relatively hope-filled for me. on Tamoxifen. I also had a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce the risk of preventative recurrence. Seven months later, I received the full metastatic diagnosis. We found out on the same day my partner started maternity leave to have our second child. My diagnosis came before we decided to have children. We used pre-implantation genetic testing to screen our embryos, so thankfully we’ve put an end to this genetic lineage. We also found out my life expectancy was now 5 years. I often get a surprised reaction when I tell people I have breast cancer. For me, I just have cancer. I don’t need to differentiate between male and female breast cancer. If you solely use the word ‘women’ to describe breast cancer, you’re mostly correct. But you’re still incorrect. Let’s just get it right from the outset that ‘people’ have breast cancer.
I’d like other men to be comfortable to share their diagnosis and seek out any
support they need. I don’t want men to feel ashamed about it. My main supports have been my partner and health professionals. Connecting with others through studies and being part of working groups and advocacy groups has also helped. Initially, I had a fighting mentality. I think that’s pretty natural. Now, it’s evolved into a living mentality. I think a lot about passion versus grief. When you’ve been given this diagnosis, grief is naturally going to be there. For me, I want to focus on all my passions. I enjoy academic life, so I’m doing an MBA and a Law degree. Thankfully, I’m responding well to the treatment. I’m still reasonably well physically, aside from some fatigue and nausea. I’m planning some travel and I’d like to write my life story. Keep passion at the centre of your life. The grief will still be there, but it will move to the periphery. I believe your passion can run alongside your grief, but make sure your passion runs a bit faster. Read more about Paul’s story on My Journey Genetic risk and breast cancer mutation such as BRCA 1 or 2. If you have a strong history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, you can speak to your GP about your breast cancer risk. They may refer you to a family cancer centre, Only 5-10 per cent of breast cancers are due to a genetic or recommend some tests that can determine if you have a gene mutation that can increase your risk of developing cancer.
BCNA member Paul
Paul’s story highlights the importance of shifting our language around metastatic breast cancer to focus on ‘living.’ Recent advances in treatment mean those with metastatic breast cancer are living longer than ever, however still have many unmet needs. ‘Living Well, Your Way’ is this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme where we will shine a light on the different ways people live well during or after a breast cancer diagnosis. This aligns with year three of BCNA’s Policy and Advocacy Strategy, read more here . BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Living well your way
14
September 2022 | Issue 92
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online