Logan Hospital Administration Officer Melanie Darby believes a decision to use her reproductive health leave might have saved her life.
Melanie said she utilised the leave to have a routine mammogram in July last year and was diagnosed with an aggressive 13mm grade 2 invasive carcinoma in her left breast.
“Four weeks later, I underwent a double mastectomy,” she said.
Melanie said the cancer had also spread to her lymph nodes, requiring 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 15 rounds of radiation and ongoing hormone-blocking medication.
“There was no lump that could be felt during an examination, and without the mammogram, I may not have known anything was wrong,” she said.
With the support of her workplace and manager Kelly, Melanie continued working at Logan Hospital when she was able to throughout her treatment.
“Chemotherapy was hard. It really knocked me about, but for my mental health, it was good to keep working and try to keep my life somewhat normal, even though it wasn’t,” she said.
“I had six weeks off to recover after surgery and then reduced my hours while receiving active treatment. I was given the flexibility to attend all appointments, treatments and procedures and never felt it was a hassle.
“I felt supported by all my Birth Suite work colleagues, with many words of praise.”
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Melanie urges everyone to be breast aware.
“Let’s make October a month to remember to feel your breasts, book a mammogram and take a reproductive leave day to attend the appointment, and maybe Queensland Health can save your life like they did mine,” she said.