Meet Michelle
From Diagnosis to Determination
Michelle didn’t realise how much her life would unravel after a shock diagnosis of breast cancer last year.
Now, a year on from her diagnosis, Michelle penned some reflections on her journey that may resonate with all those who breast cancer has touched.
“My diagnosis stripped away my identify, my control and my plans.”
“There were moments I’d look in the mirror and not recognise the woman staring back at me.”
A pea-shaped lump was all it took to turn Michelle’s life upside down.
“I was dealing with a busy life, so with no symptoms or family history, getting it checked often went neglected. It’s not great to say, but I think it’s an important part of my story,” Michelle reflects.
When Michelle mentioned it on whim to her doctor, a flurry of appointments followed.
The result—a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.
It was not just the pea shaped lump that concerned doctors and specialists, but a total of ten tumours that were detected across both breasts.
“I remember the doctor saying it looked like wildfire across my chest,” Michelle recalls.
The oncology, surgical and care teams at Mater supported Michelle through her treatment journey, which included a bilateral mastectomy, intensive chemotherapy and radiation.
Amidst it all, Michelle's positive attitude remained steadfast, and her passion for advocating for women and breast cancer awareness grew strong.
In the time between her mastectomy and the start of chemotherapy, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Michelle hosted her first Breasties Brunch—raising over $8,000 for Mater Chicks in Pink.
“I’m just so grateful for Mater Chicks in Pink. And to be able to give back is important—it’s nice having experienced firsthand the assistance, knowing that it is going to help many other women.”
By Michelle’s side through it all—her parents, her rocks. But Michelle also found support in the practical and psychological support services made possible through funding from Mater Chicks in Pink.
“The breast care nurses as Mater have been amazing from the moment I met them, through to my final day of chemotherapy. It is a truly beautiful team of professionals that don't make you just feel like a number.”
“The generosity of how Mater Chicks in Pink has supported me, through providing wig vouchers, access to mastectomy bras and even parking assistance, it’s made a tremendous impact,” Michelle reflects.
Though Michelle’s active treatment is over, she remains on her path of healing.
She demonstrates her commitment to the breast cancer community in a myriad of ways, her journey pulling her in the direction of helping and supporting others who are on a similar journey to hers.
Michelle will once again be hosting a Breasties Brunch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to support Mater Chicks in Pink and honour both her own, and other’s breast cancer journey.
You Can Be Part of the Story
Mater Chicks in Pink exists so that no woman has to face breast cancer alone. With your support, we can continue to provide personalised care, practical assistance, and emotional support to women like Michelle.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fundraise, donate, or host your own event.
Together, we can make a difference—one story, one woman, one life at a time.
