Shae's Story
1 min read 06 September 2013
“I had never been particularly concerned about the likelihood of developing breast cancer. After all, I thought that breast cancer was something older women got, not women in their early twenties. But in January 2010 I found a small lump in one of my breasts.
My mum came with me when I went to get my results. The specialist took my hand and said “I’m so sorry, it is cancer.” I bowed my head and wailed for a few minutes. I kept thinking “But I’m not finished yet, I’m not finished yet.” I remember looking at Mum. She was stunned and crying.
A week after my diagnosis, I had surgery to remove the tumour, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy, then six weeks of radiation therapy at Peter Mac.
The treatment was really tough. I lost my hair, suffered nausea, severe joint pain and fatigue. But I focussed on making it through one day at a time. I had so many ambitions I still had to fulfil – including getting married, having children and - most importantly - becoming famous!
I really believe that the cancer is gone, but I won’t be declared a ‘survivor’ until just before my 30th birthday in a few years’ time.
During my treatment I was constantly amazed at the high standard of care, treatment options and information available to me. None of this would have developed without years of cancer research carried out by places like Peter Mac."
“Cancer research literally saved my life.” Shae Spry, Peter Mac staff member, diagnosed with breast cancer at 24.
Shae is alive because of an important research discovery.
But every four minutes, another person like Shae is told they have cancer. Your donation to Peter Mac will fund vital cancer research to help give every cancer patient the best chance of cure.
