Routine check reveals 'huge surprise'

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a timely reminder that an early diagnosis could save a life.

Melbourne mum Dianne was undergoing a routine check on a stable lump in her left breast when the situation took a turn for the worst – an aggressive cancer was detected in her right breast.

"It was a huge surprise; we weren't expecting it and there was no time for denial," she said.

Everything suddenly moved "very fast" as her case was escalated at Epworth HealthCare.

"I saw Dr Chantal Thornton – it was two weeks before we were due to go to Europe – and she knew straight away," Dianne said.

"The very next day she booked me in to have a biopsy on the breast and lymph node. Within five days I had an MRI and was prepping for a brain, body, and bone scan."

A week after the MRI scan, Dianne started chemotherapy in the day medical unit at Epworth Richmond hospital, with medical oncologist Dr Yen Tran.

Dr Thornton performed a double mastectomy, and plastic surgeon Dr Michael Weymouth inserted breast implants immediately.

Six months later, Dianne is on the road to recovery.

She is planning a caravan trip with her husband, son and parents, heading to Darwin and then down the east coast of Australia.

Dianne said she was grateful for the early diagnosis.

"We caught it early, but it was very aggressive," she said.

"If it wasn't for the routine check on the left side, I would not have known."

Dianne's recovery has been helped by the 'Look Good Feel Better' initiative, managed by volunteers at the Epworth wig salon, where she enrolled when her hair started to thin during treatment.

"It was fantastic," she said.

"Everyone understands and everyone is in the same boat.

"I have already made a friend and we are catching up for lunch on Friday."

Dianne also praised the breast care nurses at Epworth, who explained everything and helped co-ordinate the multidisciplinary team.

Her appreciative husband baked treats for the nurses each week, while her mother hand-knitted scarves for the doctors and other staff.

"It's a horrible situation but the nurses made you feel so nice," Dianne said.

"They've got your back. They'll come chat and have a laugh. Even though they're busy, they always have time."

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