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A bit about me
My name is Yvonne Richards. I live in Northeast Victoria in the rural city of Wangaratta in Victoria. For quick reference we live approximately a 10 minute drive from Brown Brothers Winery! I am 53 years old, married with one daughter who is 24 years old. In November 2015 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Under the expert care of my local health care team including my GP, local surgeon and breast care nurses I began my adventure. I don't call it a journey but an adventure. Everyone in life has hurdles to cross. It's how we jump the hurdles, where we get advice, who picks us up when we fall, that can make a big difference to our adventure. Not all adventures have a happy ending and I will be sensitive to this in my narration.
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Finished chemo
Managing my diagonsis
I was referred to Melbourne for my mastectomy as I had saline implants which served me well for 20 years. My surgeons in Melbourne were fabulous. Reconstruction was mentioned in my first consultation and how important body image was to me. Body image is such very personal concept .To have or not have a reconstruction is also a personal choice, a choice that needs to be respected. |
During my treatment the carrot dangling at the end was to have a reconstruction and feel like a woman again. So bring it on I said, slice me, dice me, add in some chemotherapy and finish off with a good dose of radiotherapy.
I was very well supported locally and by my oncology breast surgeon and plastic surgeon in Melbourne but when I stumbled upon Reclaim Your Curves it was like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Representing RYC in Healesville
Finding Reclaim Your Curves
RYC offered me so many valuable resource’s that empowered me to make an informed decision about breast reconstruction. I am a country girl born and breed. Living in a rural area often means many trips to capital cities for medical treatment. This is time consuming, costly and sometimes just not possible.
By becoming a Peer Support for RYC I hope to spread the word throughout Northeast Victoria and invite other country women throughout Australia to get in touch with this amazing organisation so they too can be enlightened.
Finding Reclaim Your Curves
RYC offered me so many valuable resource’s that empowered me to make an informed decision about breast reconstruction. I am a country girl born and breed. Living in a rural area often means many trips to capital cities for medical treatment. This is time consuming, costly and sometimes just not possible.
By becoming a Peer Support for RYC I hope to spread the word throughout Northeast Victoria and invite other country women throughout Australia to get in touch with this amazing organisation so they too can be enlightened.
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea with Ruby
In recovery
In my spare time I love running, riding, fishing and spoiling my fury family!! I am a registered Nurse and have worked in all areas. I now have the privilege of working with some amazing people in Aged Care. Currently I am working as an ANUM at a 60 bed public facility in Wangaratta.
Has being a nurse helped in this adventure? Yes and no is the answer. Oncology is a whole new world to me. I stand in awe of all the health professionals I have come in contact with.
In recovery
In my spare time I love running, riding, fishing and spoiling my fury family!! I am a registered Nurse and have worked in all areas. I now have the privilege of working with some amazing people in Aged Care. Currently I am working as an ANUM at a 60 bed public facility in Wangaratta.
Has being a nurse helped in this adventure? Yes and no is the answer. Oncology is a whole new world to me. I stand in awe of all the health professionals I have come in contact with.
But it is the community of women in RYC who have been such a solid support for me in making my choice. So roll on March 3 2017 because at last reconstruction here I come.
Fishing in Tassie
