Kimmi's battle with Breast Ca.

To say 2020 has been hard is an understatement. I am an Endorsed Enrolled Emergency Nurse working in ED over the last 19yrs & I am currently battling breast cancer.

I was diagnosed with stage 3C Triple Negative breast cancer Dec 9 2019 after finding a lump whilst having a bath. I did all things necessary - Chemo started on Christmas Eve (yay), surgery in May (a lumpectomy - I requested a bilateral mastectomy, but due to covid & the NSW State Government closing down essential surgery I was TOLD a lumpectomy & bilat reduction will have to do), then Radiation for 25/25 - my surg wound broke down sadly. 

I was healing & excited to finally go back to work of which I have been off since Christmas Eve on unpaid leave as I had no sick leave or holiday pay to rely on as I just started at my new job. I did have a short-term 6mth income protection ending in July. I felt horrible leaving my fellow colleagues short during this Covid mess of a year & was told by my Oncologist & Breast Surgeon that I was cancer free, yay - I can go back to work, live, start anew & enjoy life a little bit again. But.... 

My breast flared up, pain, heat, nodules, lumps & after fighting to have my doctors believe my pain was real, finally had a second opinion by another Surgeon who agreed there was something wrong. I had a biopsy again, which has now come back as Inflammatory breast cancer in the same breast I had treated. Even worst odds from 60% survival down to 40% survival in the next 2-5yrs. 

I have had a PET scan Tuesday Nov 24th showing I have several tumours, lots of oedema to the breast once again. I don't know if I have metastasis as yet. Waiting for  those results next Monday.  

I don't have any income at all, awaiting Centrelink which apparently I will not get as it's not classed as a disability, so had to apply for Jobseeker allowance.... I kid you not! ‍♀️

I can't go back to work because I was on Xeloda medication meaning my hands & feet skin could peel away being an infection control risk, especially during Covid. Have since stopped Xeloda because of this new cancer. Another blow to a fresh start. 

All I've wanted to do is see panda bears in real life, as they have got me through so many dark days of horrible chemotherapy & all things related to cancer. Pandas are fun, cute, happy, round and just adorable. I can't travel to China for obvious Covid reasons & we only have pandas in Adelaide Zoo in South Australia which I really want to see before I endure more surgery - possibly a radical mastectomy taking skin from my back. I will not be able to work for a few more months now. 

I'm scared I may not have too much time left on this earth as the prognosis for Inflammatory Breast Cancer is quite poor. Adding my triple negative aspect it's seemingly more bleak, but I'll keep fighting the best I can.  I am trying so hard to remain positive as I have my wonderful & beautiful children behind me supporting me the best they can, along with my family, friends & work colleagues. I have been a single mum to my kids & single myself for 15yrs. This was meant to be my year to kick-start health & happiness. 

I feel selfish & scared putting this up as I do not normally ask for help. I'm usually involved in the giving and so forth, so if you don't ask you shall not receive apparently so here it is. I'd appreciate your kind & generous help right now. I believe I will have the power & support to give back after this journey has settled to others in need. 

I thank you all & eagerly wish to document my journey now forth, the good, the bad, hard & awesome, but scary times ahead. What a horrid year!

My instagram is _kimj_ 

With love, kindness & heart

Kimmi J.