With no family history of cancer, Bec never expected to be diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, making the news more shocking when it came in early 2023. It all started in November 2022, when Bec noticed a pain in her breast. Although there was no visible lump, and her GP reassured her that everything seemed fine, but still suggested she get a scan. Due to a work trip, she put off the scan, and it wasn’t until January 2023 that her mammogram revealed a lump that had developed in the months since her initial symptoms.
A biopsy soon confirmed the diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Her breast surgeon strongly advised Bec to undergo genetic testing due to her age, the nature of her cancer, and the absence of a family history of breast cancer.
‘No family history, didn’t check all the boxes’
At first, her genetic counsellor told Bec that she didn’t “check all the boxes” for Medicare funded genetic testing, primarily because she had no family history of cancer.
“I don’t know my grandparents, they both passed on my dad’s side, so we have no history to look at. But as we continued our conversation, he was able to elicit more information and then said ‘actually you do tick enough boxes. Medicare will now pay for it.”
The genetic results revealed a BRCA1 gene mutation, which was pivotal in changing her treatment plan from a lumpectomy to a double mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries. Without this knowledge, she might have undergone a lumpectomy, which would have left her with a significantly higher risk of cancer recurrence.
“It was disappointing to hear that just because I didn’t have a family history, I might not have qualified for the test under Medicare’s criteria,” Bec reflects. “We would have paid for it ourselves if necessary, but many people are not even informed about these tests. Without my surgeon’s insistence, I wouldn’t have known about the BRCA1 mutation that ultimately changed the course of my treatment.”
“Understanding the genetic aspect has given me back some control,” Bec adds. “My sister is also tested positive for BRCA1 gene mutation. I’m thankful for my surgeon’s push for testing, it not only changed the trajectory of my treatment, but also gave my sister the chance to take action for her own health.’
Returning to Work After Cancer
As Bec finished her treatment and prepared to return to work, she faced a new set of challenges. “It felt like life had stopped, but now I’m back on the line of life again, albeit a bit different,” she explains. The transition back to her role was not straightforward.
Bec took a year off work, a period she describes as essential for her recovery. Her company led the Working With Cancer campaign in Australia, and Bec was among the first to be involved in this initiative. Her company provided incredible support, allowing her to step away from her demanding role without concern. “My company has been amazing,” Bec says. “They supported me through my treatment and now as I reintegrate into the workforce.”
Bec is, however, also among the first to test out the ‘returning to work’ aspect of the initiative. And since she is in a senior position, she is given the freedom to manage her own workload. But this freedom also comes with uncertainty.
‘I feel supported, but I also do feel a bit lost.’
Bec’s job is highly stressful and demanding. “It’s very busy, you have to be very fast, and you have to pivot constantly,” she explains. “Generally, I spend most of my time putting out fires and solving big problems. It requires a relaxed yet quick approach to manage unexpected challenges effectively.”
The Challenges of ‘Chemo Brain’ and Chronic Fatigue
Returning to work has been both a physical and emotional challenge. “I’m worried that cancer might cost me my career,” Bec admits. “I’m concerned I won’t be able to get back to the level I was performing at.” The concept of “chemo brain” and the persistent fatigue made her apprehensive about resuming her high-pressure job. “Chronic fatigue is horrific, and despite being told it would happen, I wasn’t prepared for how overwhelming it would be,” she explains.
The first two weeks back at work were filled with adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment, but Bec soon felt the weight of her exhaustion. “I pushed myself a bit too hard, and by the third week, the fatigue hit me like a ton of bricks,” she says. “Balancing my workload and managing my own expectations has been a learning curve.”
Bec has been working with a new team and adapting to changes. “I’m figuring out how to manage my own workload and how to navigate the expectations of my role,” she notes. “It’s a work in progress.”
Bringing Hidden Issues to Light
Despite these challenges, Bec is determined to use her experience to make a difference. “I don’t have a solution yet, but I’m opening discussions with my boss and my team, trying to work things out,” she shares. “By sharing my experience, I hope to start even more discussions to better understand the challenges of returning to work after cancer and find ways to support others in similar situations.”
Bec was inspired by the immense support from the community to share her story. “This is what I’m passionate about now – raising awareness of breast cancer, the need for more funding and research, and the importance of understanding your familial history and genetics,” she explains. “I’m quite a private person and had rarely shared publicly about my diagnosis and experiences, but the support I received has motivated me to give back to the community.”
