This October—as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—you can support women with breast cancer by hosting a Breasties Brunch.
Maria, a mother to two girls and a newly minted grandmother to a baby girl, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2022 at 61 years old.
“I was due to have a breast screen in October, and a few days after I made the appointment, I noticed there was quite a substantial lump in my left breast. It was sort of standing above the surface. So, I changed the appointment to as soon as possible, which was only a few days later.”
After a GP appointment and biopsy, it was revealed that Maria had Stage 2 breast cancer in her left breast. Not only that, but they also found Stage 3 breast cancer in her right breast.
“It was two different types of cancer, and they both needed different treatments.”
“Within a week, I was seeing a surgeon at Mater Townsville and we discussed the best course of treatment for both cancers.”
Less than a month after Maria’s initial cancer diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy surgery at Mater Private Hospital Townsville. After healing from surgery, Maria started a five-month course of chemotherapy, attending every Friday, followed by three weeks of radiation.
Early detection was a critical part of Maria’s successful outcome, and regular screenings meant she was able to discover the more serious diagnosis in her right breast, before obvious symptoms arose.
“If you have a screen coming up, do not miss it—make sure you go. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, ‘I had nothing for so long, they’ll just find nothing again’.”
“If you have an abnormalities or changes, do something about it.”
Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Maria hopes her story will encourage people to host an event and raise money for Mater Chicks in Pink.
Show your support for women like Maria this October—during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—by hosting Breasties Brunch, long lunch or afternoon tea to fundraise with your family and friends.
