When 50-year-old Helen booked a routine mammogram earlier this year, she never expected the results would change her life.
A single mum of four, working full time, Helen was busy juggling family, career and life. But in February, following further tests and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Helen was shocked – she had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer. Even when the doctor sent for the biopsy, she knew there was a chance but thought that it was a low chance. As the initial shock wore off, her first thoughts were for her children — how she would tell them and look after them while undergoing treatment. She recalls, “I was so worried about my kids and how they would respond to the diagnosis. My youngest at that time was only 10 and oldest 17.”
Helen underwent surgery to remove the sentinel lymph node. When the biopsy for that returned positive, she underwent a second surgery to remove all nodes from her armpit. Her next consultation to make a treatment plan fell on her 50th birthday where she received the best gift she could imagine — the doctors confirmed that the cancer had not spread and she didn’t need chemotherapy. She would need to undergo 15 sessions of radiotherapy and hormone blocking medication for five years, but no chemotherapy.
Throughout her journey, Helen found strength in the support of friends and her workplace, “My friends and children were incredible, providing practical help and emotional support. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
The treating team was caring and provided excellent advice and support, but the Wellness Centre was critical to her recovery. “From the first day of treatment, the team started discussing wellness services and I had no idea these services would be part of my care. It wasn’t doom and gloom, and how to fight cancer, but about restoring wellness - body, mind, and spirit. I learnt things from the wellness staff that will stay with me for life,” says Helen.
“I used exercise physiology, yoga, and massage. Breast Care Nurse Sarah, Exercise Physiologist Ash, and Massage Therapist Dee have been fantastic – so supportive and caring. At times during treatment, I would just sit in the Wellness Centre. I found comfort in the volunteers and patients who offered conversation and connection. I am so grateful that I was able to receive such good care.”
Just as was Olivia’s favourite saying, “love and light,” so did Helen find both love and light while undergoing treatment. Helen met someone just after her second surgery, “It was so unexpected - Ben has been a great support, attending all my radiotherapy sessions, providing emotional support and made sure I was getting out and about for regular walks. Everyone has highs and lows, but I never expected to experience so many highs and lows all within a few months.”
Helen felt Olivia’s presence throughout her journey and Olivia’s legacy of kindness lifted her spirits. She reflects, “Everywhere you go, there are photos of Olivia, and you can really feel her presence. I remember the nurse asking me what music I wanted to listen to for my first radiotherapy session and I said Olivia’s music. From the moment I walked into ONJ I felt like I was part of the Pink Lady gang. Olivia left something beautiful behind and her legacy truly lives on in the care we receive.”
Now, Helen is gathering her children, partner, and friends for Olivia’s Walk and Run for Wellness. It’s her way of giving back to the centre that gave her so much, and a chance to remind others of the importance of preventative care and early detection.
Join Helen and thousands of others on Sunday 5 October, and help us raise vital funds to support the transformative work of the ONJ Centre.