Hi there, my name is Andrea Colliss. Thanks for visiting my page and taking the time to read about my story.

Unexpectedly and purely by chance on another average day in Sydney — nothing more than a quick glance in the mirror whilst getting dressed for work, popping my bra on - I noticed out of the corner of my eye a lump on my right breast. Do I go to work and then see the doctor at the end of the day? No, I decided I'd be worrying about it all day so decided to go to the doctors on the way to work. After the GP's examination, off I went for a Mammogram, Ultrasound, Core Biopsy, and CT Scan. Four days later, after many a sleepless night and hours of anxiety and tears, I was diagnosed with Grade 2 Breast Cancer, with a 5.3cm tumor (roughly the size of a golf ball). 10 medical appointments in, 2 weeks after discovery, I was advised I needed a Mastectomy. Then having met with an Oncologist for a second opinion, I began chemotherapy 12 days later in the hope of reducing the size of the tumor to avoid the trauma of having to remove my right breast in it's entirety.

I am lucky I have the opportunity to try and beat my cancer, sadly unlike my father who suddenly passed away last year from bone and skin cancer. My goal is to raise money not just to help assist me with my ongoing medical costs, daily bills and living costs, but to raise funds for breast cancer as a whole - in the hope that I can give back to the beautiful Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Sydney who are currently helping to try and save my life.  And in memory of my beautiful, sorely missed father I lost last year to bone and skin cancer on 12 August, the worst day of my life.  

I have undertaken 3 rounds of AC chemotherapy thus far, with round 4 coming up on Monday 3 August 2015. My next 12-week chemotherapy cycle begins on Tuesday 25 August, and unfortunately the chemotherapy drug is not currently funded and therefore for the 12 weeks of chemotherapy required, it is estimated that I will need to find $16,100 with a first payment installment of $6,500 - followed by the remaining 3 rounds being $3,200 per session.

Due to my chemotherapy treatments, my contract at work was not able to be renewed - so being single and having a mere income of $310 a week through the government, Centrelink does not help with bills, food and ongoing medical costs, in addition to the upcoming chemotherapy costs. Every little donation will make a huge impact on my life and will be forever appreciated beyond words. I cannot thank you enough for reading my story and for any financial donations you can spare towards my cause.

A special thank you to Daniele Massacci for his talent, time and the fun we had taking my photo.  It was a blast making my "kojak look" for my gofundme page. I love the photo and have had many compliments.  Daniele's work can be viewed at www.ds-oficina.com

 And also a huge thank you to Nicola Beverley. I had the good fortune of meeting Nicola at a Look Good, Feel Better workshop held at Kinghorn.  Nicola came to my home out of the kindness of her heart and beautified me with her talented make-up artistry.  Nicola has her own business and does house calls.  If you want her to work her magic on you please get in touch with her and check out her website www.themakeoverdolls.com.au

I am currently working on a blog to keep my family and friends in the loop, but also in the hope it may help ease the anxiety, if even a small amount, for other women who will have the misfortune to experience breast cancer as well.

Coming Soon: www.battleofthebreast.com