‘I thought I was too young’

Like many younger women, she assumed breast cancer was something that happened later in life.

Less than two months later she was officially diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, beginning a whirlwind journey of chemotherapy, surgery and ongoing treatment that is still continuing today.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the disease, Libby is sharing her story in the hope it prompts others to become familiar with their bodies and seek medical advice if something doesn’t feel right.

“The funny thing is, that Christmas Eve we (Libby and her partner Adam Connolly) really felt like we had been nailing parenting, and we were on top of the world.

“The kids were in bed, everything was organised and we were going to bed.

“I reached down and felt something. It wasn’t sore. It was just like something that felt a bit hard and abnormal.”

Although concerned, Libby initially believed it was unlikely to be anything serious.

“I was still just thinking, no way, I’m too young. No history.”

When local medical services reopened after Christmas, she booked an appointment with her GP.

From there, events moved quickly. An ultrasound led to further investigations, followed by a mammogram and biopsy.

Within weeks, her diagnosis was confirmed.

Because she was under 40, Libby was considered part of a rare cancer cohort, despite breast cancer being one of the most common cancers affecting Australian women.

Doctors discovered the cancer had spread to a lymph node, making it stage two breast cancer.

From that point, life became a cycle of appointments, scans and treatment.

“It was just like you get on a roller coaster, like a ride that you don’t really want to be on, but you can’t really get off.”

Under the care of specialists at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, she underwent 24 weeks of chemotherapy, and simultaneously participated in an immunotherapy clinical trial.

The treatment was intensive and required weekly trips to Melbourne, with partner Adam by her side while family and friends stepped in to help care for children Harriet, 7, and August, 4.

While the physical challenges were significant, Libby said the emotional side of cancer was just as confronting.

“Because I was a hairdresser, I didn’t think I would care about losing my hair.

“But it wasn’t the losing your hair. It’s the fact that you look like you have cancer.

“Once my eyelashes and eyebrows fell out, you really look sick.”

She said the experience also changed her understanding of anxiety.

“I was a very calm person, no anxiety. Now I would say I know what anxiety is.

“I now have health anxiety.”

Despite the challenges, Libby said one of the most positive aspects of her journey has been the support she received from the wider Deniliquin community.

From meals left at the door and lawns mowed without being asked, to accommodation offers in Melbourne and regular check-ins, she said the generosity of others had been overwhelming.

“The community of Deni was amazing in that regard,” she said.

“People come out of the woodwork that you don’t even know.

“I find that it’s people that have been through really tough things themselves.

“They’d remember every treatment and message me, wishing me luck.”

Another source of support was Deniliquin Can Assist, which contacted the family shortly after Libby’s diagnosis.

They learned of Libby’s diagnoses when she and Adam chose to advise their regular customers of Harry Pepper via social media.

With the business facing increased staffing costs while Libby was unable to work, practical assistance helped relieve some of the financial pressure of treatment.

“They saved us so many times. Even just little things.

“The whole issue in the beginning was I was losing sleep over how we were going to get through this and how we were going to manage everything.

“They just took some of that pressure away.”

Today, Libby has completed chemotherapy and major surgery, including breast reconstruction.

Recent pathology results showed no active cancer remains in her body, but she started a three week “mopping up” round of radiation treatment just this week and will have to have regular checks and hormone therapy for at least five years.

While relieved by her progress, she hopes her experience encourages others not to ignore potential warning signs.

Her advice is straightforward.

“Advocate for yourself,” she said.

“If you feel like something’s wrong, just go and get it checked.

“Talk to someone about it.”

She also believes sharing personal stories is important, particularly among younger women who may not realise breast cancer can affect them.

“If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then you don’t know.

“The more awareness there is around it, the better.”

It was by being open about her journey, and encouraging her family to be open about their experiences, that Libby discovered she did actually have a family history of breast cancer.

Her father, who was adopted, has forged a new relationship with his birth mother.

While sharing Libby’s story with her, she revealed she too had breast cancer before the age of 40.

To aid in further community education, Libby has this week accepted an invite to share more of her journey at a ‘Pretty In Pink’ fundraising morning team in Blighty next month.

The event is being coordinated by local teenager Savannah Bain, with assistance from the Blighty Football Netball Club and will be held Saturday, November 21.

Tickets are available now by going to https://events.humanitix.com/blighty-breast-cancer-morning-tea.

Reflecting on the past 10 months, Libby said cancer has reshaped her view on life.

“You worry about all these little things beforehand, and then something like this happens, and you realise what’s really important.

“It puts things into perspective.”

With family holidays and adventures on hold for almost a year, Libby said family life is starting to go back to normal again.

And she’s also keen to get back in the shop on a more regular basis.