When cricketers and organisers gather for Monday’s launch event at the SCG for the Pink Test organised by the McGrath Foundation, a mother will be there, holding her baby.
Annette Hansen, attending with one-year-old Alexander, was a medical student in 2020 and three months’ pregnant when, while putting on her backpack to go to uni, she discovered a lump.
She was working in radiology, and a sonographer and radiologist friend said “we’ll have a look at it while you’re here.”
The ultrasound found six tumours and she was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer.
Annette Hansen with one-year-old son Alexander. Credit:Dean Sewell
Annette said: “At first I didn’t even know if I could have treatment while I was pregnant or if it would have to wait. I was worried that I would have to make a choice between myself and the baby.”
The chemo started, and a mastectomy followed — all while pregnant. But further complications were to come.
At the same time, her father was having chemotherapy for a rare skin cancer. They were on their way home from a palliative care unit when he passed away in the ambulance.
“I got a bit of a shock and my waters broke,” Annette said. “It was a bit over a month early so I went into hospital so they could monitor my baby.
“After five days, he went into distress and I had an emergency c-section. All of this was in the middle of COVID-19, so you couldn’t really have anyone with you. A lovely nurse let my sister come into theatre with me. My husband, Stephen, didn’t make it because it was all so quick.
A pregnancy, breast cancer, chemo and bereavement – all during pandemic
Source: Philippines Alive
