For Tina Nation - Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

Bio:

My name is Tina Nation, I live with my husband and daughter in Wellington.

My battle began in 2003 with a breast cancer diagnosis at 35 years of age.

The consequences were immense and I was not prepared for the dramatic or long term impact that it was to have on my life.

After a left breast mastectomy, chemotherapy, medication and countless procedures I have managed to put that part of my journey behind me. Genetic testing though confirmed the devastating news that I fall into a very high risk factor of getting breast cancer again (70%). It is hard to get my head around this and I am struggling everyday to live a normal life. The thought that breast cancer may return every ten years and that I might have to go through all of this again is a horrific prospect.

My breast specialist recommended that I have an elective mastectomy to my right breast. After nearly two years of waiting I have been told that I am very unlikely to receive this preventative surgery. The health system has had to cut back on these procedures due to lack of funding. This has left me dazed, confused and now frightened. I feel like I have a ticking time bomb in my body and just have to wait for it to go off at any time.

My loved ones, friends and family have decided to take action on my behalf and are organising a fundraiser so that I can have the surgery. It will cost $40,000 to have the mastectomy and reconstruction along with associated support/after care.

For me, this is an unbelievable offer of generosity and love. My first reaction to the proposal was disbelief that anyone would want to give money to help me. I am humbled by the actions of my support network and I would be grateful for the help. I look forward to a long and cancer free life.