Bella's Double Mastectomy

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006, my grandma, Madeleine Philippe, decided to get herself tested for the BRCA gene mutation, the result of which was positive. After battling her breast cancer, she was further diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sadly, we lost her in 2011. In 2012, our beautiful daughter was born. Seeing her face made me realise I never want her to see me suffer the same way I saw my grandma suffer. So in 2014, I received a positive test result which indicated I also carry the BRCA1 gene mutation.

My husband and I had already discussed the very real chance I will also carry the gene, so our game plan immediately was for me to undergo prophylactic surgery to prevent me from getting breast and ovarian cancer. Since then I have been closely monitored by the Peter Mac Familial Centre.

After our son was born in 2016, we decided it was time to start considering the first surgery which would be the preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction.

I am now meeting my surgeons and starting the process to have this surgery which as we expected will be quite expensive. Timeframes are looking at November/December which I will then be attending the Epworth hospital to have this life changing surgery.

We have a great support system however, being a young family with one income, we are reaching out to our friends, our family, the friends and family of our loved ones and anybody who is able to lend a hand. Any money donated will go towards seeing the doctors and hospital bills.

I will be providing updates on all of this as it unfolds itself! I am excited for this journey and I'm also terrified at the same time! Any words of encouragement would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading my story!

Some information on the surgery and why!