Our mum was diagnosed July 2024 with invasive lobular pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. In August mum had a lumpectomy, the first steps in what would be a long and challenging cancer journey. In just a few weeks from this mum will begin chemotherapy for 4 months along with the side effects of nausea, fatigue, pain, hair loss and the emotion toll on her sense of self.

Not long after her last treatment of chemotherapy, mum was due to have radiation, but tested positive for the rare ATM gene mutation, a genetic anomaly that interferes with the body's ability to repair DNA damage. With that now on hold, the recommendation was to have a mastectomy and axillary clearance, a major surgery to remove the lymph nodes and breast. This is exactly what mum proceeded with and reality loomed heavily for her, both physically and emotionally as she focused on surviving.

The results from the clearance

Cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, four of them testing positive.

Then came 21 days of targeted radiation, burning through the residual cancer cells. Recovery made even harder by the ATM gene mutation, mum pushed through with so much strength, days where her skin was burnt, spirit low and being scared, she kept going.

Currently mum is 1 week post radiation and her return to work is not in the foreseeable future, without a steady income and the aftermath of treatment combined with the emotional toll and high risk of reoccurrence, the one place she should feel safe and stable during recovery, is at risk.

Mums journey is one of pain, courage and vulnerability, she has done everything possible to survive, now she needs help and financial support to survive the aftermath. Any donation is appreciated and will go a long way; we will post updates on a regular basis.

Thankyou

The Fam xx