20/10/2026
2 years ago today this photo was taken the day before I had surgery 400klms from home. But it wasn’t the first option I was given after my second diagnosis.
Living in a regional area, I was told the surgery I needed couldn’t be performed. I wasn’t given any options.
But something inside me said, “No. I need another opinion.”
With the support of my oncologist, I travelled to Brisbane to see a specialist breast surgeon who was willing to perform the surgery I needed.
It meant months of waiting, 8-hour round trips to appointments and more tests and some incredibly difficult decisions.
I didn’t give up! On 21 October 2024 I had the surgery that would potentially save my life.
2 years later I can now say my tests are all clear and I have no evidence of disease.
But that experience taught me something I will never forget:
🩷We have to advocate for ourselves.
🩷Ask questions.
🩷Seek advice and another opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
🩷And most importantly, don’t assume that the first answer is the only answer.
Cancer doesn’t care where you live. And your access to healthcare options shouldn’t be determined by your postcode either.
Women living in regional and rural communities deserve access to specialist cancer care, treatment options and potentially life-saving surgery, regardless of where they live.
I’m sharing my story because if my experience can encourage even one woman to ask another question, seek another opinion or advocate for herself, then it is worth telling.
Have you ever had a similar experience? I would love to hear it.
BreastCancerSupport AdvocateForYourself KnowYourBody SecondOpinion BreastCancerSurvivor WomensHealth HealthcareAccess RegionalAustralia
