At just 43 years old, Dr. Cat Stone, an Auckland-based physician, faced her worst nightmare: discovering a suspicious lump near her armpit. Thankfully, tests confirmed it was merely an overgrowth of normal breast tissue. However, just two years later, in September 2019, the situation took a dire turn when that same lump began to change.

What began as a manageable concern spiraled into a harrowing journey filled with chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and overwhelming emotional distress. “I didn’t pay much attention initially because it was an incredibly busy time for us,” Cat admitted. It wasn’t until January 2020 that Cat made an appointment, fueled by a haunting memory of her late friend, Helena, who succumbed to breast cancer at the tender age of 37.

A mammogram and ultrasound revealed the horrifying truth — Cat was diagnosed with grade two hormonal breast cancer. “My first thought was that I was going to die,” she confessed. Her experience as a cosmetic surgeon only intensified her fears of losing her femininity and self-image to the disease. “Living in a world that equates attractiveness with a woman’s breasts was terrifying,” she lamented.

Following a lumpectomy in February 2020, Cat commenced radiation treatment, all while navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown. Soon after, she began taking Tamoxifen, a medication used to treat breast cancer, but the side effects were debilitating. “It was a rollercoaster; extreme fatigue and brain fog made it hard to get out of bed,” she recounted, ultimately leading her to stop the medication after three grueling months.

As Cat began to find a semblance of normalcy, tragedy struck again when her father was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in October 2020. By October 2021, a new lump emerged on the same breast, coupled with painful cramping. Alas, her breast cancer had returned.

In a mind-boggling twist, a pelvic ultrasound revealed troubling fibroids and an unusual mass next to her ovary. Trapped in a whirlwind of surgeries, Cat’s medical team prioritized her breast cancer, guiding her through a complex landscape of treatments and decisions.

In the wake of her father’s passing in late 2022, Cat reluctantly returned to Tamoxifen, this time in Mexico so her mother could care for her. But the medication’s grip proved even more suffocating. “I felt dark thoughts consuming me. I had never experienced anything like it before,” she shared, as the struggle took not only her physical strength but also her mental well-being.

Cat’s tumultuous journey didn’t end there. A scan in October 2023 revealed the lump on her ovary had grown significantly. “I had to get a hysterectomy, and I thought that would put an end to my cancer nightmares,” she said, filled with hope.

But just months later, she noticed a new lump on the opposite breast, which led to a startling diagnosis of a high-grade pre-cancer. “I wanted to avoid surgery until after my mom’s 70th birthday but was told it couldn't wait,” she explained with frustration.

The results of her subsequent surgery were devastating: three different invasive cancers were identified alongside an 8cm pre-cancerous lump. “It felt like the beginning of an even tougher fight,” Cat shared, as she prepared for yet another round of chemotherapy and radiation.

Despite enduring these profound challenges, Cat emphasized a silver lining she never expected. “Cancer taught me to slow down. I was once a workaholic, pushing through 70-80 hour weeks,” she reflected. Now, her friends rallied around her, creating a support network that included everything from meal prepping to simple check-ins, ensuring she never felt alone.

In sharing her story, Dr. Cat Stone hopes to remind women everywhere about the importance of self-advocacy and timely medical examinations. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate; it can impact you despite living a healthy lifestyle. It's crucial to stay vigilant and prioritize your health,” she urged, knowing firsthand the importance of community support in the darkest times.

If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional services like Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636; help is available.