In 2017 at 32 years old, Jo's life took an unexpected turn. She'd felt a lump in her breast, but her GP reassured her it was just a cyst.
For nearly ten months, Jo trusted her GP's advice, even though her gut told her something wasn't right.
Finally, a new doctor sent her for a mammogram.
She remembers the moment clearly when her GP confirmed what she already knew deep down. "I could see on the lady's face that something wasn't right," says Jo.
A misdiagnosis for ten months led to moment that would forever change her life.
Jo was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer.
The diagnosis that turned her world upside down
For the next two weeks, Jo went through a blur of scans and appointments.
By the time it was detected, it had spread to her lymph nodes.
Because the tumour was so large, Jo started with chemotherapy to shrink it before undergoing a double mastectomy.
The mastectomy was followed by radiation and years of hormone therapy.
Jo endured two breast reconstructions. It wasn't easy, but she stayed positive.
"In some ways, I feel like maybe it hit my parents harder. No parent wants to have their child going through that sort of thing. And my husband as well," says Jo.
Every day, she told herself, "This is what it is. I need to get through this."
Jo carried on, despite the psychological and physical toll cancer had taken.
"I struggled way more after treatment than I did during," says Jo.
"During treatment, I was pretty positive and confident. Whereas after, all of the psychological effects are challenging. Waking up constantly thinking, 'I hope I stay in remission,'" she says.
Fertility and her future
During her cancer treatment, fertility was a looming question. With chemotherapy starting immediately, there was no time to freeze her eggs.
"I was put into medically induced menopause right before chemo. Doctors said it helps in protecting your ovaries," Jo says.
"One day I was a normal 32-year-old, fit and healthy then the next day I was literally in menopause."
Jo was told she might not be able to have kids.
After completing five years on hormone therapy, and not knowing whether they could, she and her husband decided to try for a baby when Jo was 38.
Luckily, Jo came out of menopause and they conceived on their first try, giving birth to a healthy baby girl.
Life after cancer: embracing a new chapter
Seven and a half years into remission, Jo has found new meaning in her life and has big plans for the future.
"Having our little girl is a different focus for me now, my aim is to be the happiest, healthiest version of myself for her, and enjoy the little family that my husband and I have been blessed with," says Jo.
From a work perspective, Jo hopes to keep kicking goals. She says, "being a woman in the heavy vehicle industry can be challenging at times, but I've maintained dedication to get to the role I'm in and am now a third of the way through my master's in business, so I can continue excelling in my career."
Cancer changed Jo, but not in the way many might think.
"On one hand, I'm positive, and I'm also being healthy. But on the other hand, it's given me a little bit less patience with stupid stuff that people might do or say," Jo says. "For example, people smoking and drinking and, not looking after themselves. That frustrates me a little bit because, I just think to myself, 'Why don't you want to be healthy?'"
Going through cancer in the prime of her life was tough for Jo.
"I feel like I did miss a little bit of time of enjoying my 30s. Everyone says your 30s is amazing but for me, it was not that great. It was good because I'm in remission and I had my little girl in my late 30s but I've just turned 40 now, and it kind of feels like I'm only now just back on track," reflects Jo.
The importance of support: Cancer Council and beyond
After treatment, Jo completed Cancer Council's ENRICHing Survivorship program, where she connected with other survivors to focus on health and wellness.
Jo also gives up her time to organise an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea event at work each year and is planning an even bigger event this year.
"Last year we made brekkie rolls and had a coffee van. We asked all staff to make a donation, and we raised a few hundred dollars which our general manager matched. Nationwide, we raised $1,600 from our four branches," says Jo.
Looking forward, keeping healthy and staying positive
Jo's advice is to stay positive, active, and focus on what you can control.
"Getting out every morning and going for a walk sets the tone for the day. No matter how I was feeling, I just always made sure I'd try and do something," Jo says.
"It's hard though. You don't have energy. You're not sleeping well. But it helped me through it."
