Just six months after the birth of her second child, Catriona was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
It was a devastating blow for the then 38-year-old and her young family who live in Muchea, 40km north-east of Perth. Irish-born Catriona and her Mauritius-born husband, Olivier met in Australia. With no family support in Australia, Catriona’s shock diagnosis hit the family hard.
“I had just given birth to my little girl, Emilia at the end of October 2023. I was breastfeeding and in December, I got a chest infection and then a virus, which I couldn’t recover from. Then in February 2024, everyone in our household got COVID-19, which made me feel even worse. I was light-headed and felt very unwell,” recalls Catriona.
“I also noticed that I was struggling to produce milk from my right breast. Then, one morning I was in bed hugging my little boy, Elias and I rolled over and felt a lump at the back on my breast.”
Putting the lump down to breastfeeding and her ill health down to the demands of raising two young children, Catriona admits she didn’t think much of it at first. But as time went on, Catriona knew something wasn’t right.
“It was playing on my mind and keeping me up at night. Five weeks after feeling the lump, I decided to go to the doctor. The doctor thought it was glandular related but decided to send me for an ultrasound just in case. And I’m so grateful she did. The ultrasound picked up a mass, which even the doctor was shocked about. I was sent for a core biopsy and three days later I received the call that I needed to go in to discuss the results,” says Catriona.
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On 22 May 2024, Catriona was informed of her breast cancer diagnosis. Catriona recalls the moment she heard the news.
“Elias was at kindergarten but I had Emilia with me when I received the news. I seemed like the room went black and felt like I was suffocating. It was such a shock and I remember feeling very overwhelmed,” says Catriona.
From there, Catriona’s medical team moved swiftly to treat the cancer. She had bilateral mastectomies and sentinel node biopsies, direct to reconstruction. Catriona then underwent 16 weeks of chemotherapy at Icon Cancer Centre Midland under the care of medical oncologist, A/Prof Tim Clay.
During her time at Icon Midland, Catriona was introduced to the centre’s Cancer Care Coordinator, Ian Teale.
“The staff at Icon Midland are all very warm and friendly, particularly Ian. He has been incredible throughout my journey and he was my go-to person whenever I had any questions or needed something explained. When I was at the centre each Monday for treatment, he would pop in to have a chat and it really lifted my spirits,” says Catriona.
“I have also formed a lovely friendship with another young breast cancer patient who started chemotherapy the same day I did.”
Catriona’s mother travelled from Ireland to Australia, spending seven months supporting the family as Catriona underwent treatment.
“I’m so grateful to Mum and Olivier for their support. It has been such a difficult time and they have been there for me every step of the way. I’ve felt surrounded by love and I’ve seen how kind and caring people are. One of our neighbours took Elias to school and picked him up each day for six months. I’m truly grateful for the community of people who have rallied around us. It means a lot and you never forget those who turned up when you needed them the most,” says Catriona.
Catriona admits while it was hard to juggle parenting and cancer treatment, she considers herself lucky that she had Emilia and Elias to get her through such a difficult time in her life.
“They have been a good distraction throughout my cancer battle. You can sit in your head and get caught up with the negativities, but having two little ones, you just have to get on with things,” says Catriona.
“One of the most difficult things I had to do was tell Elias about my cancer. We didn’t want to overwhelm him but at the same time he is a smart child and he knew something was wrong. I’m so proud of him and how he’s dealt with it. He will often ask me, “Mum, do you need me to help you with anything before I start playing.” He’s shown empathy well beyond his years and it makes my heart swell with pride.”
Catriona is now on the road to recovery but knows it will take time for her body to heal, as she recovers from the side effects of chemotherapy.
She is also now providing support for her family, following her brother’s shock diagnosis with renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer that forms in the kidney’s tubules.
“I finished my chemotherapy and rang the bell to mark the end of my treatment on the Monday and on the Friday my father phoned to tell Mum and I that my brother, James has kidney cancer,” says Catriona.
“I had waited so long to mark the end of my treatment and then just a few days later we found out about my brother’s diagnosis.
“It was heartbreaking and a huge shock. He has always led a healthy lifestyle. He runs in the London Marathon each year.
“The cancer has spread to his lungs and brain, so unfortunately, it’s not curable. But he’s putting up a fight and we are hopeful his current treatments will provide him with time and quality of life.”
Catriona says her own cancer battle, followed by her brother’s diagnosis, has made her realise how precious life is.
“Before my diagnosis, we were doing DIY jobs on our home and at the time, that seemed so important. But it’s not. People are important – my children, husband, parents, siblings and friends,” says Catriona.
“Spending time with them and creating memories is the most important thing. And I’m very grateful that I’ve been given a second chance to do that.”
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
Be informed, feel empowered. Our free guide will help you make decisions about your, or your loved ones, care.
Learn more about breast cancer in Australia, including signs and symptoms, stages and frequently asked questions.
There are many different treatment options for breast cancer. Find out more about common treatments for breast cancer here.