In 2017, Bec was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast cancer, a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer.
My name is Bec and for 30 years I’ve been a registered nurse, and over those years I’ve witnessed so many people’s lives turned upside down by these words: ‘You have cancer.’
Despite seeing this so often, I never expected it would happen to me. But in 2017, it did happen.
I had discovered a lump in my left breast, and after my initial surgery being a lumpectomy, I was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. To say it was awful, or shocking, doesn’t really capture it. Triple Negative Breast cancer is a rarer, more aggressive type of breast cancer which isn’t widely researched and has no ongoing targeted therapy.
At the time my beautiful son Justin, was studying Year 12. Naturally, he was stressed with his studies and I felt really guilty at the thought of upsetting him. But, of course I had to tell him.
That was a tough moment, but there have been many more since. Like getting through my months of chemotherapy and then having to make the difficult decision to have bilateral mastectomies (removal of both breasts).
During my treatment I turned to the Mater Chicks in Pink website. The Mater Chicks in Pink are amazing for so many reasons, and I can’t tell you how relieved I was when I got on their website and I saw there was research for my rare breast cancer type happening right here at Mater. It gave me so much confidence.
Mater Chicks in Pink are just incredible. They do so many little things that make such a difference when you and your family are just in a state of shock and heartbreak.
I knew the breast care nurses, from my job at Mater—but never like this.
Breast care nurses are your lifeline between you and the oncologist, and they are there for you throughout treatment both to translate what is happening to you, and also for your emotional support. They’re someone you can talk to about your fears about treatment and the future.
It’s why I’m thrilled to be part of the RACQ International Women’s Day Fun Run for each year to give back to these amazing nurses, and I’d love for you to take part with me.
For me, it’s about having a positive impact on the world... It’s a hugely self-satisfying and amazing thing people like you can do.
When you support Mater Chicks in Pink, you really become part of something amazing.