Breast cancer unplugged: in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation

In September 2010 I was a carefree 29-year-old newlywed and party girl. My husband and I were settling into our cherished first home purchase, and debating if I should put my music industry career on hold to get pregnant now, or wait a few years. The following month everything changed – I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

My diagnosis came a month after I stumbled upon an almond-ish lump in the shower on my honeymoon. I ignored it and only had it checked because my Husband encouraged me to, something I am extremely thankful for now.

My GP sent me to an ultrasound, biopsy and mammogram – all of which confirmed that I had Breast Cancer. I hoped it was all a big mistake until after my first operation (a few days before my 30^th birthday) when it was conclusively confirmed that I had an aggressive cancer which had already spread to my lymph nodes and breastbone.

Like most women in my situation, I was in complete shock. I have no family history, no previous health concerns and I was feeling fabulous. Devastating proof that this really can happen to anyone and a reminder of the importance of breast checks – you’re never too young!

In fact I believe we should be teaching all girls (and boys) in high school how to breast check and also raise awareness that approximately 80% of women diagnosed do not have family history.

Over the past year I’ve clocked up four surgeries (two major and two minor), an IVF cycle (to freeze embryos), six months of chemo, six weeks of radiation and started endocrine/hormonal therapy.

In addition to the conventional approach with my beloved oncologists, I have been working hard and fast with some brilliant natural health practitioners on nutrition, emotional, spiritual and energy healing. These aspects are all very significant and empowering.

I accept that my destiny is largely in my own hands now. This is why I focus on living a healthy lifestyle – not just with fabulous nutrition, but also exercise and spiritual health. Lots of meditating, living, loving, following my heart and enjoying my true passions!

My excitement and passion for music is a powerful motivator which keeps me strong and positive during some of the darkest treatment days. Before cancer I was working in the music industry and I played in bands since I was a teenager. Music has always been my heart and soul.

Which makes it fitting to celebrate the completion of my treatments by organising a special music event for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The event is on Friday 21^st October in Surry Hills, Sydney and some of my favourite artists will be performing.

I decided to call the event ‘Breast Cancer Unplugged’ as all performances will be intimate and acoustic style. The symbolism behind the name is that we are unplugging the power of Breast Cancer by raising funds for the NBCF to continue their excellent research.

In the midst of all the pink ribbons and fairy floss of Breast Cancer Awareness Month it’s too easy to forget or underestimate where all of the donations actually end up. Although every time my oncologist reports about an optimistic research discovery I feel so thankful for all the generous donators making these research projects possible.

There are some great leaps and bounds happening in the research world at the moment and we are understanding more everyday about prevention, treatment and cure. Despite the depressing increase in women (and men) being diagnosed, the survival rate percentages are on an impressive rise. Not to mention a huge improvement in quality of life for survivors. A sure sign that every dollar donated really does count – more now than ever before.

To donate or purchase tickets to Breast Cancer Unplugged please visit this website.

To read Yvette’s full story here.

Further information about breast cancer is available here.