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Article ‘I Thought It Was Mastitis': Queensland Mum’s Breast Cancer Battle

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While she was breastfeeding her daughter Evie in January last year, Louise Bennet felt a lump in her right breast. But like so many other nursing mums, she initially dismissed it.

“At first I thought the lump was just breastfeeding related and likely going to be mastitis, not cancer,” the Queensland mum explained.

Louise Bennet breast cancer

Scans revealed that the 34-year-old actually had triple negative breast cancer, and DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ or cancer in the milk ducts). What followed was a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation at the Mater Cancer Care Centre.

“Now I have a scar that reminds me of the journey I have been on, the journey that has kept me alive and will continue to keep me alive,” Louise said.

“I don’t feel any less and I am able to walk through the world as I am – my body is still accepted wherever I go. I share my story because if I can be open about my experience, I hope I can empower other women to be proud of their bodies.”

Louise Bennet breast cancer

The brave mum openly shares her battle to make sure other women also take control of their health, particular in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the most common cancer in women in Australia, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian women.

But Louise wants those who are on the journey to see her experience as a message of hope.

“I was able to turn my cancer diagnosis into a positive experience,” she said. “After 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation, I am still smiling.

“I have learned that before anything else I need to love myself. With various markings and scars on my body I certainly look like I’ve been through some stuff, but it’s just evolution.”

Mater breast surgeon Dr Sally Meade is also keen to assure women that while a total mastectomy without reconstruction is a mentally challenging procedure, recovery is quick.

“There’s not too much pain and the average length of stay in hospital is one to two nights,” Dr Meade said. “Breast cancer management is very nuanced and personalised.”

Louise Bennet breast cancer

Louise Bennet breast cancer

Louise finished her treatment in April, and now undergoes six-monthly check-ups and yearly ultrasounds. And the future looks bright.

“I was determined to heal from the disease and being able to care for my Evie was a priority,” she said. “I wasn’t concerned about my physical appearance and did whatever I could do to be healthy and look to the future.”

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Comments

  • A very brave lady and so sown to earth.

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  • What an inspiration she is to all of the women out there going through the same struggle. She is a very brave woman for displaying what she went through. To me, a woman who has gone through a mastectomy is one of the strongest women I know. The only way is up for her and her family. God bless you all.

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  • Very brave and strong woman. A lot of us don’t realise our inner strength until it is tested. I sometimes worry about what will happen if something like that happened to me and I don’t think it’s me I’d worry about, it’s those that are close to me, how will they cope?

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  • What a wonderfully brave young woman and an inspiration for us all. I am amazed that the doctors let her continue feeding her daughter if the cancer was in the breast milk – however, they know best. Many women would not ‘bare’ all like this young woman has done, and that just shows how vain all of us are – good luck to this lady and may she live a very long and happy life.

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  • What an inspiration! I suppose she could say that little Evie saved her life as she might not have noticed the lump at all if she hadn’t been breastfeeding her. It’s a great reminder that we should be checking. She certainly seems more now than she ever was, not less. Very brave.

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  • I have been through the fear of this terrible health problem and I did well but I remember the fear that my husband and I had and the nights that I would cry myself to sleep. Fantastic to see you are happy and doing well I wish you all the best and girls have a check from time to time you need to be sure

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  • What an amazing story, so glad everything worked out well for her and little Evie. Any cancer is no fun no matter what. I love that Louise embraces her body and has the confidence to show it off. Your story will bring hope and joy to may other sufferers around the world.

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  • So brave, if it meant a better chance of stying cancer free, why wouldnt you!

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  • Truly inspiring story for young mothers

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  • I do love reading about women with inspiring real life stories; real women with massive amounts of courage. This story is truly inspiring and I do love her positive attitude. It is wonderful to share her story and journey and to hopefully help others in a similar situation. Her smile is absolutely radiant!

    • Yes I agree, real life stories are the best and she is a true ispiration. With her love & respect for herself and her body, she is a great example for many. And yes, how radiant is her smile ! Inner beauty begins with a smile and her smile is so infectious.

      • Absolutely; the photos are so empowering and the beauty of body, mind and spirit shines through. Positive people and the energy they put out into the world is such an incredible gift to others. A smile can indeed make such a difference to people and give them a much needed lift.

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  • You hear similar stories from breast feeding mothers with surprising frequency. In a way it’s lucky I guess that they’re paying more attention to their breasts at that time. And a new baby would certainly be a huge moral support, a real reason to keep going during tough treatment and recovery.

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  • Wow what a story and what a very brave lady. This is a timely reminder that we all need to be vigilant and ensure that if we feel a lump, don’t feel right etc we should get checked immediately as you just never know what could be going on inside your body.

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  • Wow, what an inspiring young woman ! Remarkable how she turned her cancer diagnosis into a positive experience. I love how she learned that before anything else she needs to love herself. And that with the various markings and scars on her body, she doesn’t feel any less and she is able to walk through the world as she is – that her body is still accepted wherever she goes

    • I can only imagine how hard it may be to detect when you’re breast feeding ! An engorged breast can feel lumpy and to differentiate this from cancer is easy to miss. I’m glad she got her scan, mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation in time and that she now finished her treatment. Hope & pray she will remain clear !

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  • What a strong woman. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant and check yourself often. It’s surprising that screenings aren’t offered for free until 40 and over, at least in Qld. The age should be lowered to at least 35, and even in this case it wouldn’t have been early enough. Very happy to read she is healthy and well. Give yourselves a little smoosh, and when in doubt go to the GP.

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