I knew I had a BRCA1 mutation from March 2016. I had my daughter in December that same year. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple negative breast cancer in July 2017.

In April of 2017 I had gone for a physical breast exam. Nothing was found short of breasts that were more dense post pregnancy and feeding. I believe the cancer grew really aggressively in a very short space of time. I went for an ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy on the same day as they didn't like the look of what they saw. I asked them should I be worried and they said yes. So I knew from June 23rd it was not good news. All biopsy results confirmed this and I started chemo on July 13th.

I discussed the option of freezing eggs but I just wanted to start treatment given how aggressive the tumor growth was. So I decided not to freeze. Instead I started my treatment. This consisted of four fortnightly AC's followed by weekly Taxol with Carboplatin thrown in every three weeks. I crawled over the line, needing a couple of blood transfusions for the last two treatments. But I never missed a treatment.

During my treatment I felt the lump get smaller and ultimately disappear so this was very encouraging. I opted for a double mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction in January 2018. Pathology results showed a complete response but I do live in fear sometimes. In the meantime, I have not given up the notion of having another baby despite having two miscarriages in 2019. So we'll see what 2020 brings. I have to have ovaries removed so it's use it or lose it in the coming year or two!