Calvary Health Care

My message to others is that, as soon as you turn 40, PLEASE go and start getting your breasts checked. If I had waited until I was 50, I wouldn’t have survived.

"My breast cancer diagnosis came at a challenging time for me as I had a lot of other major life-changing things already happening in my life. I felt like the cancer diagnosis and treatment became secondary to everything else, and was something that I just had to get on with. Helping my children to understand what was happening to me and reassure them that I was going to be okay was more important to me than how I was being affected. I didn’t tell them about the cancer until after my first mastectomy and once I knew the cancer had been removed. Then I could tell them that they had found cancer, but that I didn’t have it any more. I endured chemo and herceptin for over a year, had radiation therapy, and will now be on medication for the rest of my life which has put me into early menopause.

"The changes that my body has been through, and will continue to go through, have been a bit of a shock. Having said that, I have found ignorance to be bliss at times throughout the whole process of defeating breast cancer!

"My hair falling out was particularly difficult and I chose to shave my head in order to feel like I had some kind of control over what was happening to me.. Together with my niece, Alice (who raised $8,000 for cancer research by shaving her head) we donated our hair to friends of the family who are artists. Sam Jinks made a beautiful sculpture of a woman, using our hair, and it made me feel so much better knowing a lovely thing came out of something so horrible.

'Seated Woman' - Sam Jinks

If I had to have breast cancer, I’m glad I had it here.

I wrote and scribbled this line out over half a dozen times, but try as I did, it just felt like there was no better way to express my thoughts.

September 22 – National Day of Mourning.

I went to the gym and because the rest of the day was free, I tried a little bit harder than usual. Arms. Aaargh!

I got home and instead of the usual race through the shower, getting dressed, breakfast and racing out the door, I had time. I opened the mail. You know those beautiful 50^th ‘gifts’ you get – scape your poo, check your boobs. I was opening the BCA envelope as I massaged a ‘pulled muscle’, which, come to think of it, was actually, sort of, in my breast. Hmmm.

A week later and the ‘pulled muscle’ hadn’t subsided, so I made a call to get it checked. I figured it was just a cyst and they would drain it. It was a bit like a golf ball.

Mammogram. Ultrasound. “I’m just going to get the senior technician to come in” …. “I’m just going to get the rostered Doctor to come in”

October 7 – “You have Breast Cancer”

I met Dr Rice, Jasmin and Jo the very next week. The warmth and care were the first things I noticed. The knowledge, thoroughness and concern followed as we sat down in the appointment.

More tests, biopsies, scans. All in one place. Appointments seemingly just appeared, as Jasmin slipped out and organised them. Those early days I just wanted to be told where to go and what to do.

Results. Dr Rice explained the surgery (single mastectomy with axillary clearance) and why other alternatives were ruled out.

Surgery done. Both Dr Rice and Jasmin were amazing supports – firstly making sure that I got to attend the cricket (I’m a cricket tragic, so 4 days post-surgery I made my way there. With drains. The poor security guard).

I was also able to still be a clown in The Christmas Pageant. 12 days post-surgery I ‘ran’ the streets of Adelaide. What an absolute buzz!

From there I met with Dr Joshi. Again, how fabulous is it having everything under the one roof?!

Jasmin came in to see me during the first Chemo session – to check on how I was settling into the process (and to see the clown photos). She has continued to be both a friendly face and ear throughout the whole process.

Paclitaxel is finished and now I embark on AC. The cold capping has kept a reasonable amount of my hair. The Cancer Centre nurses have been wonderful. For all the fast-paced logistics they juggle, as a patient you are made to feel like everything revolves around you. The chats during the process – which focus on everyday things, about the weekend, a concert… all the normal stuff. It’s just so lovely.

When the chemo is finished, I’m off to radiotherapy. I’m sure I’ll meet more beautiful, caring, genuine people there too.

If I had to have breast cancer, I’m glad I had it here.

• Please note: The Northern Breast Centre at Calvary Central Districts is part of the Calvary SA Breast and Endocrine Service, which also incorporates the Breast and Endocrine Centre at Calvary North Adelaide.

Cancer is a word that can bring a chill to anyone, especially those who are diagnosed with it. Of course I have heard of friends of friends getting it, or a once removed relative, but not me of all people!

On 7 December 2021 my world started to spin out of control as my GP confirmed I had a Grade 3 aggressive tumour (ER/PR +, Her 2 -) in my right breast. Before I knew it I was meeting the amazing Dr Beverley Fosh* two days later, and she had already booked me in for further scans on 10 December, and then surgery on 15 December. This was for a right partial mastectomy with hookwire & SLNB at Calvary Hospital North Adelaide.

As I arrived at the hospital, a compassionate nurse took me up to my room, along with my protective partner (now my beloved husband) who didn’t leave my side until he saw me safely in my room. I remember never being alone for long as different people came to ensure I was OK, and getting ready on time for the pre-op checks and scans prior to the surgery. If the staff needed clarification on anything, they would call Bev to check, which comforted me. Once I was in the surgery waiting area, many people were still checking up on me giving me warm blankets. When Bev arrived, I knew I was in safe hands and before long I was waking up in recovery with a kind face and soft voice was waking me up. Then off to my room with constant care continually shown by all staff.

I thought this was the end of my experience with cancer – it had been removed right? It wasn’t anywhere else in my body.

Then a phone call from Bev on 4 January 2022 that completely changed my world. Before I knew it I was back to Calvary North Adelaide for a full mastectomy of my right breast and reconstruction. I had to admit myself due to COVID restrictions and no visitors allowed, but the lady who took me up to the ward remembered my name from six weeks ago! The amazing team of Dr Beverly Fosh and Dr Amy Jeeves took care of my surgery. Once again, in my room I was completely cared for with extremely professional and sympathetic nursing staff. They were attentive to all my needs. The added bonus was Calvary’s specialised breast care nurses who provided me with advice and support not only whilst I was in hospital but even when I had left. Having a private room gave me time to adjust to “the new norm”.

Once I had commenced chemotherapy I was back to the Calvary North Adelaide Hospital for a quick procedure with Bev inserting a Central Venous Internal Line Port. This was a game changer for the weekly chemo and blood tests.

I have been so fortunate with the amazing care that I have experienced, even through some of the toughest times. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and it doesn’t care who it affects but knowing I had the best doctors and hospital on my side, helped me physically and emotionally to get through the first part, and on to the road to recovery.

*A/Prof Beverly Fosh

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, I was incredibly fortunate to be in the care of Bev Fosh* and Amy Jeeves. They provided me with the appropriate information and facts regarding my impending surgery immediately, including a timeline of vital aspects and moments moving forward. Sadly my older sister was diagnosed with a similar illness, and she was fortunate enough to receive the same care, compassion and expertise as I did thanks to Bev and Amy.

Sadly my older sister was diagnosed with a similar illness, and she was fortunate enough to receive the same care, compassion and expertise as I did thanks to Bev and Amy.

The care I received at Calvary North Adelaide, before, during and after my surgery was incredible. Every staff member I encountered possessed an empathy, knowledge and kindness critical not only for me but for my husband and two sons. It allowed us all to navigate positively through this challenging time.

The positive and impeccable care we received during my initial and consequent surgeries, inspired me to return to study nursing. I am now privileged to work at Calvary North Adelaide and can give back some of the amazing care I was fortunate to receive.