My story began when I was 33. After a training run with my dog, Sheba, I was having a shower when I found a lump in my right breast. I felt the floor beneath me slip away and my thoughts instantly went to my Grandma who had died from breast cancer.

I made an appointment with my doctor the same day and was booked in for an ultrasound and biopsy. When I was called back for the results, the nurse asked me if there was anybody I could bring along to the appointment. I said no, why would I need somebody to come with me? (Little did I know!) I sat down in my doctor’s room and heard the news that the lump was cancerous and I needed surgery, chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy. I was a fit, healthy 33 year old woman.

Fast forward to today, I have had two mastectomies (one prophylactic), node removal, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, I am on hormone therapy for five to ten years and I am booked in for an Oophorectomy (to reduce the oestrogen in my body) which in turn means I am going through menopause ten years earlier than I should be. A 33 year old woman should not have to attend Menopause Clinics!

It wasn’t easy and no young woman should have to go through what I have gone through. I didn’t have a choice and I chose to work with my doctors, surgeons, oncologists and every other angel that has helped my through. I will forever have the utmost gratitude to these people who will probably never know how much their patience, care and love meant and still means to me.

I am choosing to support So Brave – Australia’s Young Women’s Breast Cancer Charity, because young women need to realise that is could happen to them. I want to promote the importance of self-awareness and the self-checking of breasts every month.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my story (a quick snap shot!). Every donation helps to raise awareness and cancer research <3