Rebecca Vanson celebrated five years of being cancer free this year. 88188 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By NICOLE VALICEK
Rebecca Vanson’s instincts saved her life.
This year the Bacchus Marsh mother of two celebrated her fifth anniversary of being cancer free.
But the journey to reach the milestone was a roller coaster to say the least.
Rebecca was 32 when she found a lump on her breast and decided to visit the doctor. At the time her daughter, Ella was two and her son Lochie was one.
There was no history of breast cancer in her family and the ultrasound revealed it was mastitis – a blocked duct from breastfeeding.
Two months later she went back to the doctors after finding another lump.
This time a mammogram and biopsy revealed she had breast cancer.
Within a week Rebecca had a breast vasectomy, but the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes so her breast was removed.
“I had the same breast surgeon as Kylie Minogue, that’s my little claim to fame,” Rebecca joked.
A year later her second breast had to be removed and she underwent a total breast reconstruction. Six months later her ovaries had to be removed which meant her and husband, Paul could not have any more children.
Rebecca believes her first doctor ignored the early detection because she didn’t have a history of the disease and she was young.
“If I listened to the doctor originally I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
October is breast cancer awareness month. Rebecca hopes her story can prevent others from going through the same emotional turmoil that early detection could avoid.
“Listen to your instinct, always get a second opinion and if you’re worried about something go and get it checked out,” Rebecca said.
“Fearful as it is to hear something you don’t want to hear, you’d rather hear that than people talking about what could have been if you’re not around”.
Rebecca said her two children encouraged her to fight the disease.
“I went from thinking I wasn’t going to see them grow up, to the determination that I have to do everything to keep going for them.”
But as dark clouds often do, this story has a silver lining.
The family just moved into their “dream” home in Bacchus Marsh, and this year Rebecca started a new job.
“We’ve got a new start and we’re ready to start our life again, but it’s been a long road to get here.”
