Join us as we talk to Sally Heys.
Sal found a lump while washing her underarms — and just two weeks later found out she was pregnant. At just 8 weeks pregnant, Sal was diagnosed with breast cancer after initially being told the lump was probably “pregnancy boobs”.
From what was initially thought to be early stage 1 cancer surgery revealed the cancer was actually Stage 3 HER2-positive, and suddenly the focus shifted from the baby to her own life.
Sal takes us through the incredible reality chemotherapy while pregnant, including the guilt of giving her unborn baby chemo treatment she needed to survive.
At 36 weeks, Louie — her “little warrior” — was born, and just three days later Sal had to begin immunotherapy.
But this story doesn’t end when Louie arrives or treatment finishes. We talk about the mental health aftermath, the guilt, losing trust in your body, fertility uncertainty and why finishing cancer treatment doesn’t automatically bring the relief or “sparkle” people expect. Sal’s story is raw, honest and incredibly powerful — and a reminder that sometimes surviving is only the beginning.
Some resources below:
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/
https://www.bcna.org.au/
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