Italian shower proves a lifesaver

Energetic 59-year-old Sonia Shreeve is a mother of three, grandmother of four, a high school industry liaison officer, and an avid traveller who loves exploring the world. But late last year, while holidaying in Italy, Sonia’s health journey took an unexpected turn. 

“I was in the shower when I felt a lump in my breast. It was tiny, but I thought, ‘Oh, that shouldn’t be there’, and as soon as I got back to Australia, I went straight to my doctor,” Sonia said. 

Sonia had been diligent about breast screening, booking in every two years since her early 50s. Her last screen was in early 2023, with the next due earlier this year. But this time, her own self-awareness proved critical as an ultrasound and biopsy confirmed the lump was breast cancer. 

“I was 58 at the time, with no known family history of breast cancer. But my doctor said about one in seven women my age contracts this kind of breast cancer,” she said. 

According to the Cancer Council, about 20,700 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every year, making it the most prevalent cancer in women aside from skin cancers. 

For Sonia, things were about to get moving. “Just days after diagnosis I was admitted to the Robina Hospital for surgery, but the margins weren’t clear afterwards and I had to have another. From there I had to wait five weeks to heal enough to undergo 15 courses of radiation at Gold Coast University Hospital.” 

Today, Sonia’s recovery is well on track, and she is looking forward to many more adventures. “At my post-surgery consultation, my oncologist told me not to look in the rear-view mirror, because all the signs going forward are good,” she said. 

Sonia’s experience has reinforced two important lessons: never delay breast screening and never ignore changes in your body. 

“I was lucky mine was found early; at 13 millimetres, it was small but big enough to feel. That moment in the shower probably saved my life. My message is to keep up with your regular breast screens as if your life depends on them, because it just might,” she said. 

“Bodies can change in the blink of an eye, and if you notice or even suspect something in between scans, trust your intuition and get it checked immediately.”

Sonia will be ever grateful for the outstanding medical care she received. 

“Everyone at Robina Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital were amazing, from admissions staff to surgeons, and my nurse, Emily, guided me every step of the way,” she said. 

Now, with treatment behind her, Sonia is back planning her next trip, embracing life, family and new horizons.