Breast Cancer: Suzi's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Suzi found a painful lump in the lower part of her left breast during a self-check at the end of April 2024. She had long believed that painful lumps were unlikely to be cancer, but a mammogram, breast scan, and guided biopsy confirmed carcinoma. The diagnosis arrived on her phone while she was on the way to work, leaving her to absorb the shock before telling her mother, aunt, and two adult sons.

Just over a month later, Suzi underwent a lumpectomy. She then completed 12 weekly chemotherapy sessions and 18 radiation treatments. Determined to keep as much normality as possible, she continued working, focused on a healthy diet, and maintained a positive mindset. She described minimal nausea or vomiting and no major decline in her blood counts during chemotherapy.

After completing the main phases of treatment, Suzi continued Herceptin every three weeks, with treatment planned through September 2025. She had not yet received an all-clear or a declaration of no evidence of disease, but she felt she had moved beyond seeing herself only as a cancer patient. Support from her family, oncology team, workplace, and faith helped her continue through treatment and strengthened her determination to make the most of each day.