In her own words, Elisabeth Kochman shares her thoughts and feelings about surviving three bouts of breast cancer.

A strong resolve along with a determined approach have got me through three diagnoses of breast cancer. I was originally diagnosed in 1985 as a 29-year-old, again in 2002 (47 years) and then again in 2003 (48 years). The first diagnosis resulted in the removal of a lump, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy. The second was in the same breast and resulted in a mastectomy. The third was in my other breast, which was also removed. Three times, three different types, all felt and found by me; never identified on a mammogram, only by ultrasound.

At the time I was first diagnosed, my life was busy. Very busy. I had just started a new job and my mother was in hospital (in fact we were both in the same hospital at the same time). My husband and I even exchanged contracts on our house the day I was admitted! I was initially told that it was nothing to be overly concerned about. Due to my age it was highly likely to be hormonal - probably a fibroid adenoma (ie benign). I had insisted on the lump being removed so that it did not become anything. Fortunately both my GP and the surgeon he referred me to were supportive of my decision. Weren't we all surprised at the findings of the frozen section? Today there are diagnostic guidelines, which are practised and strongly adhered to.

Having such a diagnosis as a young woman 21 years ago is a far cry from having that sort of diagnosis today. Knowledge, awareness, attitudes, support, and treatment of breast cancer have all changed substantially since the time of my original diagnosis. Dealing with those attitudes, lack of knowledge and reactions in this period was a challenge in itself. Cancer was something that many thought only occurred in older people. There was scant information available and absolutely nothing for young women. I was reliant on the medical professionals. I received one page of information relating to radiotherapy during the entire time I was being treated - and that appeared to be one page more than others I met - regardless of age or cancer type. And there were issues - being told we could not have a family; contraception; sexuality; emotions; relationships; just to name some. There was no resource like the internet. The doctors had done their job. (ie treated the disease). I was told "...get on with your life.. you will work it out". Fortunately I had the support of my wonderful husband (my soul mate), family and close friends.

In late 1997 I got off the corporate merry-go-round to pursue some personal interests. One of these included becoming a volunteer with The Cancer Council NSW in 1998. I have been involved in a wide range of activities both within and on behalf of the organisation - peer support service, workshops, committees, working parties, and presentations to name a few. They have all been most rewarding.

I remember in early 2002 I had started going to a new specialist and we had an instant rapport. I told him I was looking for someone that I could grow old with.

Little did either of us know what was ahead - after all it was 17 years since my original diagnosis. I had kept up regular mammograms, ultrasounds and checkups. I had also acquired a reasonable level of knowledge. When I found a second lump in my left breast, a biopsy confirmed another primary. Hearing those words again felt surreal. My way of dealing with a problem has always been to tackle it head on. We had dealt with this before and we were about to do it again. A mastectomy followed with a sentinel node biopsy.

Exactly one year later another primary tumour was diagnosed - this time in the right breast. This resulted in another mastectomy (also with a sentinel node biopsy). Whilst I did not want to be in this situation I realised that the information that I had gained had assisted me greatly in making an informed decision in consultation with my surgeon about both mastectomies. I also realised I had a level of information that all women should have but obviously most circumstances do not permit.

Over the past 20 years I have experienced both technological advances as well as a more holistic approach from a skilled medical team in dealing with my particular condition. My current specialist was my choice. A good rapport is vital as it is a long-term partnership built on mutual respect and trust. I am very grateful for the open approach and quality time given to a thorough assessment of the options which is so essential in arriving at a pragmatic solution

Despite being diagnosed three times I consider myself very fortunate. Other people's situations (and not just those dealing with cancer) always put your own in perspective. I have always been fit and healthy and attribute this to my being able to bounce back quickly each time.

Early detection is the key to successful treatment and high survival rates. I urge women to ‘get to know yourself' and have regular checks.

We are not born with a blue print for life. Life is a journey with many detours and certainly throws many challenges at all of us. These challenges make us realise what is important in our lives and remind us to embrace life, to treasure every day and those near and dear to us and to make the most of every opportunity. We only get one go at it - so make it a damn good effort!.

ACSM #33