Hi, I'm Mel.
I work for Hunter Primary Care and I am a breast cancer survivor.
I don’t have any family history of breast cancer - by accident I found a breast lump and I was quite dismissive of it. Luckily my wife said ‘you're getting that checked’. I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at the age of 39. Given my age, I was connected with a Genetics Counsellor and underwent genetic testing for breast cancer and further learnt that I have the BRCA1 gene mutation. This results in higher risks and subsequently to prevent these increased risks I had more surgeries – I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy. I went through five months of chemotherapy and if I am honest, that was the worst and I still suffer from the side effects.
As a Registered Nurse who specialises in mental health, I suddenly went from being a professional to being a patient. Any diagnosis that impacts so significantly on your life is overwhelming and at the time, as a patient I didn’t want to know anything about the diagnosis or treatment. Luckily my wife is also a nurse and was able to navigate that for me, so I just showed up at the appointments when I needed to. Cancer overtakes your life and it's terrifying.
Three years later I can reflect now that I am better for my journey. Particularly, I am a better nurse as I appreciate the vulnerability you're in as a patient and the importance of having people who truly care about your journey at your side, advocating for you. As an individual I see life differently now and want to find the simple things in life that make me happy – that’s what's important.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means many things to me...
Survival – it’s the recognition that I am blessed to still be here. Sadly it’s not the case for everyone and for those that have lost a loved one to breast cancer, I'm sincerely sorry for your loss.
Education – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about educating everyone about self-examination and the importance of following up on any random lumps or investigations you may need, like breast screening. Early detection can be life saving!
Representation – after I was first diagnosed I remember going to my local bakery who annually support and promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They had pink stuff up everywhere and I was so overwhelmed I just wanted to cry. It's not as raw this year. Now in October I seek out the promotion and was excited to see this year in Brazil the Christ the Redeemer statue was lit up pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. How awesome is that!
Mental health - finally I am reminded to check in on my mental health. One thing I haven’t mentioned is when I was first diagnosed I had a few key people gently reach out and share with me their own journey with breast cancer. One person said ‘Welcome to the club, its not a club you want to be in…..but we are here for you’. Another said ‘Watch your mental health as it will creep up on you, reach out and get support’. Any cancer diagnosis takes a toll on your mental health and its okay to ask for help. It's hard but it will be worth it.
One of the major changes this journey has had in my life is changing jobs, a pivot if you will. I've been with Hunter Primary Care for six months now. I can see every day the value in this organisation and am humbled by the heart that is put into the work and support of our clients.
Thank you Hunter Primary Care for sharing my story.
Click here to find out more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Pictured: Mel (centre) and the Suicide Prevention & Recovery team.