Bridget Vietheer

My story

In October 2024 we received the news I had triple negative breast cancer - an aggressive cancer that was in my breast and lymph node.  What followed was 15 rounds of chemo, 12 months of immunotherapy, one surgery, 4 emergency room visits; with 3  hospital stays, 15 rounds of radiation and of course countless appointments, tests, scans and procedures (some of which were truly awful!). 

My story: 

A few months after finishing breastfeeding, I found a little lump. It felt small but hard, and a little tender. When I could still find it a few hours later, I knew that was unusual for me. Thinking it’s still possible to be a blocked duct after feeding; I booked into my GP the next day for confirmation. Lucky I did. They sent me for an ultrasound a few weeks later which turned into a mammogram that turned into a FNA and core biopsy all on the same day - boy was I late for work! It was then I knew in my heart it’d be cancer. But I went on with my day, rushed off to work and got through the end of the week. A few days later on the first day of our holidays Brad and I went to the GP and I received my official diagnosis. Thank you Logan Hyperdome Doctors. From diagnosis to meeting my surgeon was less than 24hours, and honestly that was the worst time in this whole experience, the shock, having to tell our families, and not really knowing what it all meant was just awful. But then we met the angels also known as the Breast Care Nurses at the Mater- what a relief!! They really talked us down off our ledge and even got us laughing before we met with my incredible surgeon who gave us so much hope and information and really lay the ground work for my treatment. 

Then came a week of intense testing. I was meant to be at the beach with my family (and Brad was meant to be overseas for a wedding!) but I had multiple appointments each day and I only managed to go down for one day and I am so glad I did. We really needed that day as a family. 

After meeting my amazing oncologist and the incredible oncology nurses at the Mater Cancer Care Centre I felt even more sure that I just had to get through the next 12 months and everything would be fine. Sounded simple enough, and for me it was, but it was one heck of a hard slog for our support network!  

Now 12 months after diagnosis, I’ve completed my ‘active treatment’ and move into monitoring. Active treatment that didn’t exist 5 years ago - and why raising funds for further research is vitally important! 

I  learnt a lot along the way;

-  it’s okay as a support person to just empathise that something is shit, you don’t have to have a solution to show you care. 

- a text with no expectation of response can really lift a person’s spirit. 

- no one will ever truly understand what you’ve gone through and to give people grace.

 I also saw first hand how hard it is to be a support to someone so unwell, from having to keep your own emotions in check to the pressure to help without really knowing how - it’s bloody hard and exhausting and I think my whole support team are truly fatigued. 

So if you’re able to contribute even just a little to research, or participate in events such as these, you’ll be helping to make these journeys just that little more positive for all. THANK YOU! 

#MaterCancerCare #checkyourself #breastcancerawareness

I’m part of the International Women’s Day Fun Run!

I'm raising funds to support women with breast cancer now and into the future. 

By making a donation, you can play a part in improving treatments and care for women diagnosed with breast cancer.  

When you donate, you’re helping to support counselling services and supply practical items like mastectomy bras and wigs after surgery and chemotherapy.  

You’ll also be supporting world leading research that focuses on improving survival rates and working towards a world where ALL women diagnosed with breast cancer survive. 

Ultimately, you’ll help make life easier for women with breast cancer today and save more lives tomorrow. 

As little as $65 can make a profound impact and take some of the stress off women with breast cancer and their families. Please, if you possibly can, will you donate today?