My Story
Me before the big C
I am a 33 year old mumma to Jack and wifey to my incredible husband Stu. We moved to Australia from Scotland in 2011, married in 2017 and gave birth to our boy in 2020. I am strong with a huge Scottish heart and soul, I am loud, confident and always up for a laugh! I always seek the positives in life and love a good chat!
The Battle
In July 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I was complaining of an itchy breast the week before and discovered a tiny pea sized lump in my right breast. I booked an appointment with my Dr, I was then referred to get an ultrasounds then biopsy. Stu came with me to receive news of the results. We headed into the unknown but expected everything to be fine, just a precautionary measure. That is not what we were told. I was informed that I had an aggressive form of breast cancer. My world changed forever! My son Jack was 17 months old when we got this news. My world came shattering down but I knew I had to fight and fight hard for both my boys! I had chemo, radiation, surgeries, and target therapy ahead of me as well as oral meds for the next 7 years.
The Big Shave
I was told that I would loose all my hair during treatment. I was worried how my boy Jack would react to mummy looking sick. I decided to make this a positive experience and organised a F#$k Cancer / Shaving party. On October 17 surrounded by my friends; myself, Stu and Jack took turns to shave my hair off. I wanted to beat it and to make it fun where I could. When something happens to you, the ONLY option you have is to be STRONG especially when you have a little one.
Chemo
Chemo became my life. Days on chemo are so different. I soaked up the sun on my face while eating toast and appreciated it more than ever. Listening to Jack giggle with his daddy hits my heart more than it ever has. The day before this I cried, heavy tears because life is so cruel at times. I remind myself that this is only temporary but it became my new normal for the next 6 months. I appreciate every little detail in my life like never before and on this day I danced in the shower like no one was watching.
I finished 16 rounds of chemo in March, underwent surgery for a double mastectomy in April then completed 21 days of radiation in July 2022. I wont stop fighting. I am currently undergoing targeted hormone treatment every 3 weeks and I pray to be in remission from April 2023.
My Jacky Boy
I was in hospital when my boy Jack turned 2. It hurt not to be able to be there, celebrating with him the morning of his birthday. We celebrated in hospital with balloons and cake.
My Granny
On July 22 , I received news from Scotland that my beloved Granny passed away. She never got to hold my son Jack.
My world, My rock, My Granny Hanny. My name is Gillian Hannah and I’m glad it is that too. Today I am this woman and mother and it’s all because of you. I’m proud to have your name in mine. I wouldn’t wish it any other way.