Nicole’s Breast Cancer Fight
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Lucie and I am Nicole’s (Nic as a lot of you know her) older sister, I am creating this GoFundMe page on her behalf; this is her story:
In January 2016 at age 32, Nicole found a lump in her left breast. Naturally she went to her GP and after much persuasion (from Nicole), the GP agreed to send her for an ultrasound & biopsy with the results appearing to be all clear… the lump however continued to grow and by November 2016 Nicole saw her GP again to insist on further testing. After an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy; the results weren’t clear at all, she was given the awful and shocking news that she in fact has an aggressive form of Cancer known as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma measuring 4.5cm and testing as Triple Negative and with very likely node involvement. Because of the large size of the cancer, Nicole is facing a Mastectomy and possibly a double Mastectomy later on if genetic testing comes back as positive for the BRCA gene.
Treatment Nicole will undergo beginning next week includes:
- A Mastectomy with full Axillary node clearance
- Chemotherapy for 6 months (once every 3 weeks)
- Radiation Therapy for 5 weeks (5 days/week)
- Fertility Preservation treatment (egg harvesting & storage)
Anyone who knows Nicole knows that she has ALWAYS wanted to be a Mother some day. Unfortunately Chemotherapy will be needed to help beat her cancer but it comes at a high cost; it will most likely diminish her chances of ever being able to conceive children naturally and so Nicole has had to seek the advice of Fertility Specialists. Nicole has no time to waste & must begin the IVF & egg harvesting process just 5 short days post surgery so as to have it completed prior to Chemo.
In amongst the emotional and physical strain, there is of course, the financial burden. Nicole is one of those strong, independent, determined ‘tough chicks’. She works in construction, in a predominantly male environment, doing what is considered to be ‘man’s work’ and is deservedly proud to have been able to be accepted in this field and is well respected for all of her skills and the ability to keep up with the boys!
Nicole’s husband Russell, has (until recently) been unable to work due to a broken back. Thankfully, he is back at work now, however instead of being able to recoup some of the lost wages incurred during those months, times are about to get much harder with the added loss of Nicole’s income.
**Due to Nicole’s line of work doctors have advised her she will not be able to return to work for at least 12 months after treatment.
**Ideally, we would love to be able to help with the huge medical costs, loss of wages, to buy a wig for when Nicole’s hair begins to fall out and also for a Prosthesis as she has been advised Reconstruction surgery under the Public Health system is a 3 year wait.
You might say that it’s a good job she’s a ‘tough chick’ as she is also at the beginning of the toughest fight of her life. We are hoping that we can release some of the financial burden by setting up this Gofundme page. Nicole and her family would all be grateful for any contribution you would be able to make.
With much gratitude and Thanks, Lucie Griffiths
In January 2016 at age 32, Nicole found a lump in her left breast. Naturally she went to her GP and after much persuasion (from Nicole), the GP agreed to send her for an ultrasound & biopsy with the results appearing to be all clear… the lump however continued to grow and by November 2016 Nicole saw her GP again to insist on further testing. After an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy; the results weren’t clear at all, she was given the awful and shocking news that she in fact has an aggressive form of Cancer known as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma measuring 4.5cm and testing as Triple Negative and with very likely node involvement. Because of the large size of the cancer, Nicole is facing a Mastectomy and possibly a double Mastectomy later on if genetic testing comes back as positive for the BRCA gene.
Treatment Nicole will undergo beginning next week includes:
- A Mastectomy with full Axillary node clearance
- Chemotherapy for 6 months (once every 3 weeks)
- Radiation Therapy for 5 weeks (5 days/week)
- Fertility Preservation treatment (egg harvesting & storage)
Anyone who knows Nicole knows that she has ALWAYS wanted to be a Mother some day. Unfortunately Chemotherapy will be needed to help beat her cancer but it comes at a high cost; it will most likely diminish her chances of ever being able to conceive children naturally and so Nicole has had to seek the advice of Fertility Specialists. Nicole has no time to waste & must begin the IVF & egg harvesting process just 5 short days post surgery so as to have it completed prior to Chemo.
In amongst the emotional and physical strain, there is of course, the financial burden. Nicole is one of those strong, independent, determined ‘tough chicks’. She works in construction, in a predominantly male environment, doing what is considered to be ‘man’s work’ and is deservedly proud to have been able to be accepted in this field and is well respected for all of her skills and the ability to keep up with the boys!
Nicole’s husband Russell, has (until recently) been unable to work due to a broken back. Thankfully, he is back at work now, however instead of being able to recoup some of the lost wages incurred during those months, times are about to get much harder with the added loss of Nicole’s income.
**Due to Nicole’s line of work doctors have advised her she will not be able to return to work for at least 12 months after treatment.
**Ideally, we would love to be able to help with the huge medical costs, loss of wages, to buy a wig for when Nicole’s hair begins to fall out and also for a Prosthesis as she has been advised Reconstruction surgery under the Public Health system is a 3 year wait.
You might say that it’s a good job she’s a ‘tough chick’ as she is also at the beginning of the toughest fight of her life. We are hoping that we can release some of the financial burden by setting up this Gofundme page. Nicole and her family would all be grateful for any contribution you would be able to make.
With much gratitude and Thanks, Lucie Griffiths
Organizer
Lucie Lou
Organizer
Caboolture QLD
