.

Virginia had an appointment with the Breast Screen bus in Mount Isa but like most women balked at going due to being too busy with work and family commitments.

The single mum figured it wouldn't be a big issue if she didn't attend; every two years since she turned forty, she routinely had a mammogram.

However, Virginia did go and was glad she 'listened to the little voice in her head' because on this occasion, they found a lump.

"It was in my left breast and after being referred for a biopsy I found myself sitting in the Doctor's office," Virginia said.

"He told me 'You have breast cancer, but it's one of the good cancers'."

Virginia thought there was no such thing as a "good" cancer.

"I was in shock, an overwhelming experience of 'what the hell do I do now'," she said.

"I thought of my son. my thoughts were racing, I recall that deep down I felt I knew it was cancer, so I guess I was somewhat prepared."

Virginia said the lump was not revealed by her own examinations.

"It was only that I went to my mammogram appointment that it was found," she said.

"It also occurred to me that I really didn't know much about breast cancer at all."

It was around this time that Virginia met Gayle Steed from the Mount Isa and North West Qld Breast Cancer Support Group and she gave her a care package.

Within the package was a pink book.

Virginia said that book was like the Bible to her.

"This book told me everything about the different stages of the disease, everything you need to know about the many treatments, and anything else I needed to know," she said.

"If it wasn't for Gayle and the other woman from the Support Group, it would have been a harder road to travel."

Virginia's Stage 1, 16 mm malignant lump required immediate treatment, surgery and radiation therapy, so she and her son Brent and flew to Townsville.

Her first priority above the stress of surgery and the exhaustion from radiation therapy was her 'little man'.

"Being a single mum, I had the added worry of keeping a roof over our heads, paying the bills and ensuring my son's day-to-day life wasn't impacted too much. I was determined not to let cancer take over my life," she said.

"Brent stayed in Mount Isa for my surgery but came to Townsville for the month of radiation treatment and we stayed at the Cancer Lodge.

"My little man has been great going through this, a real trouper. He's so supportive, and I am very thankful for him."

For twelve weeks after the treatment Virginia felt exhausted, sore and burnt.

"Even though the radiation targets the cancer inside your body, it can leave a sunburn or blister effect on your outer skin."

On Tuesday November 19 2019, came the news she needed - Virginia's doctor gave her the all clear.

The malignant cells had not penetrated any nearby lymph nodes and her test results came back within normal parameters.

Many survivors need time to reflect once their treatment has run its course and Virginia was no different.

"I felt amazing, it was the best feeling. I remember saying 'I got this!' I rang everyone and told them I had just received the all clear. It was a very emotional time," she said.

It's been seven months since Virginia's original mammogram which found the lump, she is due for a follow-up in July, yet recent scans and tests show no evidence of disease returning.

Yet the fear of a recurrence lurks in her mind but now as a manageable threat.

"Anyone who has had cancer is in constant surveillance mode," she said.

"Now I focus on each day, yes, I expect good and bad days but the best advice I can give to another women going through their journey with cancer is - just take one day at a time and don't sweat the small stuff."

"I have a renewed positive attitude and with my son by my side I know we will give the C-word a good fight if it returns."

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