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I was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 33 just over 6 years ago. This was an interesting time for my family and me. My husband, son (who was four at the time) and I were living out of a suitcase. We had embarked on a considerable renovation, which had rendered our house unliveable. The extension was in many ways symbolic of the hope we had for the future. We were adding a couple of rooms for the children we were planning to have. My diagnosis, as for many young women, came completely out of the blue. Three years earlier, I was diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer. I felt that I had already paid my cancer dues, and now it was time for me to get on with my life. Since my treatment for breast cancer, I was found to have pre-cancerous cells in the endometrium. Hence I am minus a thyroid, left breast and a uterus. And yet, at the risk of sounding corny, there have been many gains and some amazing opportunities borne out of having experienced breast cancer. There is no denying that life changes after a diagnosis. In fact, my life is now measured by events such as, before breast cancer, after chemo, before and after reconstructive surgery, etc. Life for me has taken a strange turn and has provided me, with many wonderful and life changing opportunities. 2002 was a defining year. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), the Australian organisation representing women who have experienced breast cancer held a National Summit and it was there that saw the genesis of the first Australian young women’s email group. I participated in a young women’s workshop and realised that many young women yearned for more information and to be linked together. As a result, I applied successfully for funding from BCNA and was able to set up the email link which began with 19 members and quickly reached the 100 mark. It is now handled by BCNA, simply because it became too big to handle from home. 2002 was an exhausting as well as an exhilarating year. It also set the pattern for life’s direction. I am determined to continue making positive differences to young women who walk the path of breast cancer. Last year, I coordinated a Young Women’s Forum in Melbourne, which focused on fertility, menopause, sexuality and relationships. Since the forum, a group of young women and I have formed a young women’s advocacy group. I also wrote, directed and performed in a play to help celebrate the 10 th birthday of Breast Cancer Action Group (a Victorian based advocacy group). This ignited my passion for the theatre and with the combined efforts of another young woman we are currently writing a play that highlights the needs and issues of young women with breast cancer. We hope to perform it this October. Amazon Heart Odyssey Event is a tremendous opportunity to experience first hand the plight of the Sri Lankan people and to help make a contribution. Breast cancer in many ways is about stepping out of your comfort zone and this event reflects this. I filled with apprehension at what I might find and see, but at the same time I filled with elation and feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity.
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