In January of 2024, I felt a lump on my breast.
Having discussed this with a friend, they suggested that I do a mammogram. I booked it and waited for the results. Two weeks later, it came back negative.
I had recently done some blood work with my GP and was requested back for a non-urgent review. I thought my cholesterol was up so I booked in only to find out that my bloods were fine, but she wanted to find out more about my mammogram. She suggested that I get an ultrasound and biopsy just to make sure.
My family has no history of breast or ovarian cancer so I didn’t think much of it. After the ultrasound they asked me to come back for the biopsy. I had put off the biopsy due to work responsibilities, but when my GP called me to try and get me into a surgeon the day of my biopsy, I started to worry.
They were able to get me in the day prior to my Easter holiday plans and due to them expediting my results, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
They couldn’t tell me what type or how severe at this point. Just that I had it.
I was shocked as I didn’t think it was possible and it really hit me hard on the day. Even with the shock of it all, I went on my holiday anyway. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to make sense of everything I just found out. Looking back, I think that holiday gave me a third space to deal with the shock and run through the myriad emotions that were going through my mind.
Initially, the diagnosis changed my life drastically.
I would characterise myself as an independent individual with a demanding job and a full social life. In no time, I had people worrying about me and my life being dictated by doctor’s visits and treatment schedules.
When I was first diagnosed, I spoke to a few people who all suggested that I attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop. They’d either had friends or family attend, or they’d attended themselves. I’ve never been a make-up person and am such a self-taught person (thanks, internet!) that I didn’t think I needed it. A previous participant assured me it would be a good experience to meet other people going through the same thing I was going through, as she found that the most valuable part of the workshop.
To be honest, I was terrified about how treatment would change the way I looked and how people saw me.
I was having a hard time with changes in my skin and loss of hair and I didn’t want to look sick or have people worry about me. I attended my workshop two weeks after my first chemotherapy and was heavily shedding hair at this point. I needed this workshop!
The team was wonderful in talking through these challenges and showing us little tips and tricks to help us look as close to ourselves as possible. I had never drawn my eyebrows on, and I was really worried about it. The volunteers gave me the tip of practicing daily while I still had eyebrows so that I could get the muscle memory down. I was so glad I did because after my final chemo, all my eyebrows fell out.
This helped me to keep me looking like myself. Maybe even a bit better!
In addition to the practical skills, it was good to chat with the other women in my workshop and hear about their own experiences. We were all very different from one another but had a shared experience. Although everyone’s journey was unique, it was comforting to know that we weren’t alone facing the challenges of cancer treatment.
With my newly learned make-up skills, I was confident that I could look like myself, which made it easier to go out with friends and family to feel a bit of normalcy. I’ve always enjoyed going out with friends and I’m glad I participated in the workshop early in my journey to help facilitate this. I believe it made a big difference to my overall wellbeing.
Being diagnosed with cancer can have so many effects on you physically and psychologically. Look Good Feel Better is, “on paper”, there to help you with the physical signs of cancer treatment, but they also help build a wonderful community.
It gives you the opportunity to share experiences and hear from others and that is really powerful for your mental wellbeing.
About The Author
Originally from the United States, Livia moved to Australia in 2009 and found family in the friends she made here. A devoted foodie, Livia loves cooking, discovering new restaurants and travelling in search of memorable flavours. She balances it all with pilates, yoga and long walks with Tubby, her beloved rescue maltese-cross.
Curious and adventurous, Livia is always keen to learn something new or take on a challenge. Her friends know she can almost always be counted on to say yes to an adventure.
Comments