Mastectomy & metastatic breast cancer
This is a story of “balls to the wall” self-advocacy, tiptoeing around surgeons' offices and swimming in circles!
Trigger warning: this podcast contains discussions about metastatic breast cancer, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners.
In this episode the wonderful Katy Morrison shares with us the shock of her stage four (metastatic) breast cancer diagnosis, and her experience of living with the disease including the challenges she’s faced advocating for herself.
Katy talks about her decision to have a mastectomy after it was initially recommended by her breast surgeon. She tells us how she was refused immediate reconstruction – or removal of her healthy breast – as it was deemed a “waste of resources” because she has incurable breast cancer.
Katy’s single mastectomy resulted in significant asymmetry and severe back pain that negatively impacted her quality of life.
Despite the difficulties she’s encountered, Katy has a positive outlook and emphasises the importance of finding joy and humour in life. And advocating for yourself!
This is part one of Katy’s story, recorded in 2023.
Subscribe to hear the follow-up episode and find out whether Katy had her reconstruction.
Listen to this episode
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If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
