‘It can’t be cancer, I’m only 34’

Dubai: In June this year, Katherine Brownlie, an Australian resident from Dubai, discovered a lump in her breast. The first thought that came to her was, “It can’t be cancer – I am only 34”.

The following month she was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, a couple of days before her 14th wedding anniversary.

She told Gulf News: “I still do not believe it is a deadly disease.”

Through Brest Friends, a Dubai-based cancer support group, Katherine met young patients also undergoing chemotherapy. “Soon after my diagnosis I reached out, and was overwhelmed to hear from more than 20 women within the first week itself. A few of the older women had been in remission for more than five years.”

She describes her current condition as a learning curve. “I am fine. I have bad days, but I also have good days. I have a hormone-sensitive tumour so I am concerned about my chances of conceiving; I take medication to protect my ovaries. I have lost all my hair. This is just a phase I have to get through.”