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Emma’s Stage 3 Breast Cancer Battle

  • The journey isn’t over… just different

      31 December 2023
    Posted by: Emma Consedine
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    I don’t know how to truly express my gratitude for each person who donated to my cause this year. I’m so blown away with your kindness that I sometimes don’t know how to really respond. Cancer is the hardest thing I have ever faced, but yet the one that has given me the most love and support. I feel relieved that the chemo and surgery parts are done, but so exhausted by this whole experience. I’m spending some time to rest and figure out next steps. Treatment will be ongoing next year but my body is slowly healing… actually my hair has just started to grow back! Hold your loved ones tight and look after your health in 2024 and beyond.

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  • Birthday Surgery

      30 November 2023
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    This week I had surgery to remove the remaining tumour from my right breast. The chemo had done an amazing job at shrinking it - down to 2.8cm from 8.1cm when I began this journey! I had part one of my reconstruction done at the same time, and a permanent implant will go in after I complete radiation in January. I celebrated my birthday in hospital and being officially done with this cancerous tumour was the best gift ever! I still have a long journey ahead of me. The port I had implanted in July will serve me for the whole of 2024 as I receive immunotherapy infusions to treat any remaining cells floating around my body. For now, I’m back at home resting and enjoying eating again and recovering from this life-saving surgery.

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  • Bad blood

      17 November 2023
    Posted by: Emma Consedine
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    After my last chemo I got really dehydrated, so I look myself into ED expecting to get a bag of fluid and be sent home. I ended up needing 7 bags of fluid in the first 24 hours, IV antibiotics, a blood transfusion and a week in hospital. Chemo has just about killed me and I’m so grateful to finally be back home with my beautiful boys. Thank you for all the messages of support during this tough time.

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  • Halfway through chemo

      4 October 2023
    Posted by: Emma Consedine
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    This round has been the toughest one yet. Probably made a little harder because of the school holiday juggle and picking up a cold which developed into a sinus infection. It’s left me feeling very weak. I’ve started taking supplement meal replacement drinks to get some added nutrients but eating is still tricky. I’m constantly blown away by the support from everyone, it just brings me to tears! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support financially and with so many acts of kindness.

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  • The cost of cancer

      25 September 2023
    Posted by: Emma Consedine
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    I’m so grateful for your support. I’ve never been someone who asks for help very easily, and this is very foreign to me. I’m scared about reaching my fundraising goal, and what it could mean for me if I can’t pay for the medication I need. But I also have a deep peace about where I am at. On top of it all, opening up and letting people in has become its own happy thing. Nobody would ever say they were grateful for cancer, but there are cool moments around every corner that have made me feel grateful for what this disease has given me and my boys. More play dates, more connection with friends, more tangible support. It’s the messiness of life that is the most relatable, none of us have it all together. Thank you for being on this journey with me. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone but while it’s mine, I want to enjoy the big and little glimmers of love and support. Thanks for everything.

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  • Dark clouds with silver linings

      12 September 2023
    Posted by: Emma Consedine
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    Round 2 has been just as rough as the first, with the exception that I’ve discovered a new food allergy to dairy and wheat. Eliminating these two things from my diet has made me feel a lot better and it can be common during chemo to develop new food allergies or intolerances so I’m glad to have discovered it now! I’ve spent most of the last 10 days in bed, and I’ve lost a total of 7kgs so far. The great (amazing, ecstatic, wonderful) news is that my tumour is dramatically shrinking! Chemo is tough, but I’m tougher and I’m in awe at how well my body is dismantling this awful cancer and sending it on its way. I’m doing IV infusions every week to replace nutrients and also had hyperbaric oxygen therapy to rid my body of toxins. I feel strong and grateful and full of positivity for the rest of my journey. Thank you all so much!

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  • Round one complete

      30 August 2023
    Posted by: Emma Consedine
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    I’m gearing up for my second round of chemo this week, and I’m nervous. The last round was 3 weeks ago and it hit me hard. Everyone talks about chemo being tough but it really knocked me. Some people like me seem to get hit with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea really badly, and it was hard to eat or drink enough. Luckily I found an incredible nurse Jen who comes to the house and gives me IV fluids when I need it. My hair has completely fallen out which feels a bit sad, but obviously it will grow back and I have a wig to use when I go out if I need to. The support I have received from school friends, daycare friends and my village friends where I live has brought me to tears. Thank you so much for caring and for donating to my cause, you have no idea how much it means to me and my boys.

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    • 30/08/2023 by Melanie Consedine

      Rocking that hat Em. So so proud of you 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻