Debby remains vigilant about lymphoedema

Lenah Valley local, Debby was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in October 2022. The 50-year-old mother of one was diagnosed following a routine mammogram.

“My mother had breast cancer but it was still a shock to be told I had breast cancer,” says Debby.

“I had been feeling very tired but last year was particularly busy at work, so I put it down to that.

“In hindsight, I should have picked up a bit earlier that I wasn’t feeling 100%.”

Debby had surgery a week after her diagnosis and started radiation therapy at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart in the lead-up to Christmas last year.

She underwent 15 sessions of radiation therapy and finished on 16 January this year.

“I spent my Christmas and summer break having radiation therapy,” says Debby.

“My husband, Roberto came to every radiation therapy session with me. He has been a wonderful support.

“I’ve had two lymphoedema screenings done and I will go back to Icon every three months.

“The staff have made it really clear that if something doesn’t feel right, I just need to call and they will see me the same day.

“I’ve been given shoulder and hand exercises to do to reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.

“I also do a lot of walking, which is recommended.

“For me, it is really important to have a lymphoedema screening service on my doorstop.

“The screening is easy to do and it provides me with peace of mind.”