Vanessa’s Breast Cancer Journey: Power of Early Detection & Support
Vanessa’s breast cancer story began with a routine mammogram, revealing a diagnosis she never anticipated—Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Without any noticeable lump, the news was shocking but as a veterinarian, her instinct was to dive into research to find the best breast cancer surgeon in Sydney.
Supported by a world-class medical team at Warrier Practice and her loved ones, Vanessa’s journey highlights the importance of early detection, informed decisions, and the power of a strong support system in overcoming the fears and challenges of breast cancer. Here’s her story.
The Unexpected Diagnosis
Vanessa’s breast cancer journey began with a routine mammogram. “The first I knew of a problem was when I received a letter in the mail asking me to come back for a second scan and a biopsy,” she recalls. Despite the absence of a lump, Vanessa was diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).
Coping With The Diagnosis
“To be honest, I didn’t really believe it,” Vanessa shares. “It didn’t seem possible. It wasn’t something I had factored into my life plan.” This shock is a common experience for many women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
Coping With The Diagnosis
Seeking Clarity
As a veterinarian, Vanessa’s medical background drove her to seek a deeper understanding of her condition. She requested a copy of her pathology report and a review of the biopsy, demonstrating the importance of being an active participant in one’s breast cancer treatment plan.
Balancing Life with Treatment
Vanessa’s diagnosis came just before a planned trip to the Kimberley. After consultation with her oncologist, A/Prof. Warrier, she proceeded with the trip, using the time to research her condition. “I downloaded a whole heap of medical papers about breast cancer to read on the trip,” she explains.
Treatment Decisions and Surgical Options
Treatment Options & Surgical Choices
Through her research, Vanessa learned that her type of breast cancer, DCIS, carried up to a 40% risk of developing a more aggressive form without surgery. This information helped reinforce the surgical advice she had received.
Choosing the Right Procedure
Associate Professor Warrier recommended a full mastectomy due to the extent of the changes on the mammogram. “He provided a lot of different surgical options,” Vanessa notes. “The nipple-sparing mastectomy was a no-brainer because it seemed to give the best cosmetic result that was least surgically invasive.”
Support Systems and Coping Strategies
Finding Support & Comfort
Vanessa found comfort in discussing her experience with friends and colleagues who had gone through similar situations. “It was comforting to be able to talk with other people about their experiences and helped me to know a bit more what to expect in practical terms,” she shares.
Professional Support at Warrier Practice
Vanessa praises the team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, describing them as “wonderful” and “amazing.” She emphasises the importance of having a skilled medical team, stating, “Sanjay is an amazing surgeon and I feel privileged to have been treated by a world-class oncosurgical team.”
Overcoming Challenges in the Breast Cancer Journey
Facing Fears
“The biggest challenge was the fear of having a mastectomy and not knowing what it would be like afterwards,” Vanessa admits. We see this in many patients and highlights the emotional toll of breast cancer treatment and the importance of mental preparation.
Staying Motivated
Vanessa credits her partner Jules, their pets, and her work as a veterinarian for keeping her motivated throughout her breast cancer journey.
Advice for Those Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
- Seek information from your medical team and family doctor about your specific type of cancer.
- Understand all available treatment options to make informed decisions.
- Don’t hesitate to ask about the pros and cons of different treatments.
- Keep your support network informed and involved.
- Maintain a positive attitude while acknowledging it’s natural to feel scared at times.
- Utilise support services offered by cancer treatment centers, such as group activities or counseling.
Vanessa concludes her breast cancer journey story with heartfelt thanks to Dr. Warrier and the team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse for their life-saving care. Her experience underscores the importance of early detection, informed decision-making, and a strong support system in navigating the challenges of breast cancer.
If you’ve been told to book an appointment with a breast cancer consultant, we’re here to help. If it’s urgent, call our office and we’ll make sure you’re seen as a priority.
Our amazing patient Vanessa has shared her story of coming to terms with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
When did you first think think/find out you had cancer?
I went for a routine mammogram and the first I knew of a problem was when I received a letter in the mail asking me to come back for a second scan and a biopsy. I was shocked when the doctor told me it was cancer, because there was no lump.
How did you feel?
To be honest I didn’t really believe it. It didn’t seem possible. It wasn’t something I had factored into my life plan.
What happened next?
I needed to understand exactly what was going on. Because I am a veterinarian I asked Dr. Warrier to provide me with a copy of the pathology report and also asked if a review of the biopsy pathology could be done just to be sure. He and his team were very understanding and arranged for the review.
The news came just before the trip of a lifetime to the Kimberley with my partner. We’d planned the trip a year beforehand and hired a 4WD with a pop-top tent on top that we were going to pick up in Broome. We discussed it with Sanjay and he agreed that it would be okay for us to still go but that I would need to have the surgery quite soon after I got back. I downloaded a whole heap of medical papers about breast cancer to read on the trip. I learnt that for the type of cancer that I had, which was DCIS, there was up to a 40% risk of developing a much more aggressive form of cancer without the surgery.
The reading helped to re-inforce the surgical advice that I had already been given. Dr. Warrier had explained that because the changes on the mammogram affected a large area of my breast the only option was a full mastectomy. He provided a lot of different surgical options and the nipple-sparing mastectomy was a no-brainer because it seemed to give the best cosmetic result that was least surgically invasive.
I also talked to a lot of friends and colleagues who shared their experience and insights and also gave me very sound advice. One or two friends had previously experienced breast surgery and another had had an aggressive form of cancer. It was comforting to be able to talk with other people about their experiences and helped me to know a bit more what to expect in practical terms.
What was your experience with Sanjay and his team?
They were wonderful. All of the staff at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse were amazing, from the moment I walked up to reception and met Andy to when I was discharged from hospital. Sanjay is an amazing surgeon and I feel privileged to have been treated by a world-class oncosurgical team providing cutting-edge (excuse the pun) treatments to deliver the best outcomes for their patients.
What have been your biggest challenges through dealing with cancer?
The biggest challenge was the fear of having a mastectomy and not knowing what it would be like afterwards. Throughout everything I felt very fortunate that my cancer was picked up in a very early stage and that I did not have to go through chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The surgical result was better than anything I could possibly have anticipated, but you don’t know that pre- operatively, so that was the scariest time.
What keeps you going?
My partner Jules, our two cats Joey and Albert, the joy of being alive and my work. I have been a veterinarian for 30 years and I am still highly motivated in this field (obsessed, some might say).
What advice would you share with anyone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?
Ask the team at Chris O’Brien lifehouse and your family doctor what information and resources are available for you to understand more about your type of cancer.
Get as much information as you can about the type of cancer you have and how extensive it is so that you can understand all the options that are available for your treatment and make informed decisions about your treatment.
Don’t be afraid to ask about the specific pros and cons of different treatments and whether there are different options available. Being informed will help you cope with what is going to happen next and to plan ahead.
Make sure your support network knows what is happening as well. Talk to your friends and family – they might know someone who has gone through something similar. Just knowing about the practicalities of what to expect from someone who has gone through it, can be really comforting.
It really helps to be positive about what you are experiencing and to feel positive. It’s also natural to feel scared. I was lucky because my cancer was detected early, but I still felt scared and down at times. If you are feeling down about your condition seek support from the Lifehouse team – get involved in one of their group activities like the choir, or seek counselling. A little bit of support can make a huge difference and feeling positive will really help you to get through what lies ahead.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would like to express my heart felt thanks to Sanjay and all the team at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse for the life-saving care they gave me and give others every day.