Great Idea

Thank you so much Daina for starting this group.  My story began in December 2000 when I was diagnosed with early breast cancer.  I had a mastectomey and Tram flap reconstruction.  THings did not go well at the time as complications led to renal failure and a long stay in hospital,  Followed by Chemo and many scar revision surgeries.  Hey but that was in the past and everything is good now.  I have my annual checks and have learnt to live very happily with a great deal of uncertainty.  I have a strong family history of BC.  No BRCA 1or 2 but an inconclusive result in relation to other unidentified gene mutations. The fear of re-occurance is with me all the time and is exacebated each time I have my check-ups .

 I keep active with my role as a Consumer Rep on the Seat at the Table programme.  I am currently part of a Cancer Australia working party developing treatment guidlines for "Women with identified gene fault or at risk of a gene fault ".  As I have daughters and grand-daughters this work is very important to me and I am privledged to be part of it all. Additionally as a consumer Rep I have the privledge of working with a young researcher who is investigation  the benifits of "Targeting the Angiotensin receptor for Breast Cancer Preventiona and Treatment.  I am very excited about this work and it is really good to be involved.

I hve read the stories of members of this group and as always I am really impressed by the strenght   of women who have faced a Breast Cancer diagnosis.  We become members of a club that is both caring and supportive but it is a club that initially we did not want to join.  However here we are supporting each other and getting on with our lives.  I think it would be lovely to meet some of you in person.  Perhaps we could arrange to do so for a linch or morning tea.  Let me know if you are interested.