EMMA’S STORY
Emma McAuley is a breast cancer survivor and had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction back in August 6th 2018. Her Mother passed away from breast cancer 3 weeks before she got diagnosed with the same illness. Emma found the lump and already noticed the symptoms before her mother passed away. At first she didn’t tell anyone because they were all looking after their Mum during a difficult time, and didn’t want to make matters worse. Unfortunately her Mum had a fall and broke her hip, this was the beginning of the end for Emma and the family. She had numerous infections that weren’t clearing up, and ended up in a hospice care. Around half four in the morning the nurse called to tell Emma and her family to come in, for their Mother’s last moments as her breathing drastically changed. Emma’s mother passed away on the 20th November and her breast cancer appointment was meant to be on the 22nd. Her Aunt came with her to the appointment, who was still unaware as she thought the appointment was a precautionary check up due to cancer in the family.
Emma had a ultrasound and the Doctors explained they could see something and would like to do a biopsy, because of this she broke down and became very tearful. At this point the nurses brought her Aunt in to console her and Emma was able to explain about her lump to the family to gain support. Her final appointment on the 13th December was when got diagnosed with breast cancer, a week after her Mother’s funeral. She was 24 years old at the time but had caught her cancer early as she was at grade one of her illness, and had to have MRI’s and scans. Started chemotherapy in March and had two methods (FEC, seven cycles and targeted therapy). She had her ovaries suppressed to protect and save her fertility, which puts her in medically induced menopause. Emma said she tends to not think about not being able to have children as she wants to ‘Cross that bridge when she comes to it’
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