Sarah’s Breast Cancer Journey

Join us on an inspiring journey as we share Sarah’s story from the moment she received her breast cancer diagnosis to her remission. In this post, Sarah opens up about her experience, revealing the challenges faced and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Sarah Miller. I am 49 years old, and I live on the beautiful Gold Coast, QLD Australia, with my two daughters and husband. I grew up in the UK and relocated to Australia about ten years ago.

2. What cancer were you diagnosed with and what was the process to get a diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer in May 2022, formally referred to as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Later, pathology confirmed five tumours in my right breast which were Hormone Receptor Positive.

I was diagnosed by Breast Screen Australia, following a routine mammogram. I had a history of fibrous breasts, although ‘lumps’ found previously were benign after investigation. I had an idea that something was amiss when I was recalled for further assessment by Breast Screen Australia.

The staff at Breast Screen Australia were incredibly supportive and guided me through their comprehensive assessment process, step-by-step. I remember a wonderful nurse doing gentle ‘tapping’ on my forehead whilst I was having a biopsy. It was really calming for my nerves and lessened the discomfort. I’ve since looked further into tapping and continue to use something called ‘Emotional Freedom Technique’ (EFT) which is a blend of Eastern practices and Western science.  The Look Good, Feel Better charity offer free workshops in EFT and other things. I attended a few of these and they were great. www.lgfb.org.au

3. How did you feel after receiving the news and what did you do after diagnosis?

I went into ‘action stations’ mode! I wanted to know what my options were and how to maximise my chances of being cancer free. Ultimately, driving me forward then, and to this day, are my daughters. They were 11 and 13 when I was diagnosed. I went into a determined state of mind and felt decisive about what treatment pathway to take. I opted for all that was offered to me! I had a double (bilateral) mastectomy with an option for reconstructive surgery later down the track, chemotherapy, radiation, and oestrogen hormone blocker medication.

4. How did you come to receive treatment from Dr Hill and the Tasman Health Care team?

I was referred to the oncologists at Tasman Health by my surgeon. I underwent five and a half months of chemotherapy and now attend every 3-4 months for a review of the medication that I continue to take.

I honestly felt so well taken care of by all the staff at Tasman Health, the Drs, nurses, pharmacists, and the reception team. I think the consistency of care, the calming environment and the open communication really helped with my recovery and capacity to cope with the demands of chemotherapy.  Relationships really matter in cancer treatment!

5. What advice would you give someone going through treatment of the cancer you had?

I found the following things helped me:

• I asked lots of questions! My Dr’s and nurses were so receptive to my questions. I found it calming to understand what was happening and why. I wanted to be a part of my treatment process.
• I kept a notebook during my treatment so that I could jot down any questions that I had before my appointments. My memory was patchy during chemotherapy so writing things down really helped.
• I read a couple of books during treatment that inspired me. I wanted to focus on success stories, so I read books about people who had gotten through cancer treatment successfully and were living wonderful lives.
• I also read a few self-help books to remind me to visualise positive outcomes such as the cancer cells being exterminated by chemotherapy drugs and my white and red blood cells renewing themselves.
• Most days I tried to lie still on a yoga mat or bed and do deep breathing or a lovely calming meditation, even if for 5 or 10 minutes.
• I had an exercise regime which I kept going through my 13 months of treatment. I relied on walking and Pilates. I would walk every day, even if it was for 5 or 10 minutes. I even did a 10km per day for 10 days walking challenge to raise money for cancer research, and that really kept me going during the last few months of chemotherapy. I think that exercise was 100% the most effective way to manage my fatigue, nausea, and aches/pains and my anxieties.
• Taking time to appreciate nature really helped me. The birds, sound of the wind in the trees, warmth of the sun, the light of the morning, the smell of the sea…
• I ate a lot of food and ate whatever I craved! It was mainly the fresh, healthy stuff which I’ve always loved, but I had to eat more regularly than before and had weird cravings, like frozen coconut during chemotherapy. I later found out, that coconut can apparently help with bone marrow production amongst other things!

6. Is there anything you took for granted prior to your treatment that you really appreciate now you’re in remission?

I think that I took my health for granted prior to cancer treatment. I’d always been healthy! I now make a conscious effort to think about my self-care. I don’t assume that I’ll ‘be right’ and that’s not such a bad thing!

7. Would you like to share anything else that could help someone going through cancer treatment?

I loved the saying – ‘This too shall pass’. I hung onto those words when I felt overwhelmed, scared, or unwell. Do what you can to get through and take each day (or hour/minute) at a time.

I think it’s the ‘law of small things’ that can help during treatment- a bit of walking, a bit of quiet time, a bit of fresh air, a bit of reflection, a bit of whatever you need!