STRENGTH FINDING INNER
M y mammogram when I made the appointment and hung up the phone, I felt a pat on the back. I’m from Swan Hill and had to travel two-and-a-half hours to have my mammogram in Bendigo. Following the X-ray, I could sense something wasn’t right. After I was diagnosed, I named my reminder letter sat around for four months. It sounds a little bit spooky, but tumour Elvira, after a late-night television host of horror movies I watched when I was young. At the time, I was caring for my mentally ill son and my parents. My husband had his own issues to deal with and I was the sole breadwinner. I just needed to be well. From day one, I just wanted to have both boobs off. Instead, my treatment team kept wanting to cut out bits. After they couldn’t get a clear margin, they agreed to a mastectomy. My beautiful breast care nurse advocated for me and helped me get an appointment at St Vincent’s in Melbourne. I had to see a psychologist about the
double mastectomy to prove I was of sound mind. I was asked how my husband felt about it. I said, “They’re not his boobs. It’s nothing to do with him. It’s my body!” They finally agreed, but after the operation, I developed an infection and ended up back in hospital. Over six days, I had three operations. Throughout it all, I was pretty much alone, even though I had lots of people around me. You find inner strength. My kids are my strength. I never complained. I just bottled it up until I could speak to my breast care nurses in Swan Hill, Bendigo, and Melbourne. I want to help others avoid the crap parts of my experience. In Bendigo, they gave me a brochure and said, “this will be your bible on your journey” . It was very good, but it was just about services in Bendigo. I’m the community representative for the Cancer Advisory Group in Swan Hill. I suggested we come up with our own breast cancer bible for Swan Hill, which we did. If I can help one person, my journey has meant something. If I met someone newly diagnosed today, the first thing I would do is
offer them my phone number and say that no journey is the same. Loretta’s lessons for life after breast cancer: • You find out who your true friends are and what’s most important to you • You know what not to waste time on • You definitely have a different outlook on life and cherish the special moments • You find strength you didn’t know you had • The old saying, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry, is true • Anyone who looks after you on your journey is very special. Not everyone can • Use your experience to help others • Go to support groups – the people you meet there will understand what you’re going through. Our theme for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is ‘Living Well, Your Way’ and how that looks different for everyone. Find out more about the campaign here .
This October, Sussan have launched their latest Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) collection with a generous portion of the proceeds from each purchase going to support BCNA. This thoughtfully designed collection includes an Australian Cotton Waffle Gown, matching Satin Pink and new Pink Floral Pyjamas and their popular Pink Roll Cuff Tee. To take a closer look, visit the Sussan team in store or online .
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October 2023 | Issue 96
Breast Cancer Network Australia
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