General News
20 February, 2025
Edenhope mum pleads with women
Just 12 weeks ago Edenhope's Leah Briggs thought she would complete a task most women dread: booking and having a routine pap-smear.
That decision set off a chain of events that was potentially life-saving, and now the 38-year-old mum is pleading with other females to keep an eye on their health and book in for a mammogram.
Ms Briggs is currently recovering from the second of eight chemotherapy rounds.
This is following the removal of her left breast through mastectomy surgery and having made plans for 30 rounds of radiation.
Last year, as a busy mother, Ms Briggs might have glanced at the Breast Screen poster and formed brittle intentions to make a call.
Now, she can’t imagine anything more important than women prioritising their health.
“That moment, when I found out I had cancer, I saw my life flash before me and thought of all the stuff I’d wasted time on,” she said.
“My whole lifestyle has changed, in a good way now; this is a new leaf for me.”
Ms Briggs said she was so lucky to have had an appointment with Dr Sophie Rymill that day.
“She asked about my health history and ordered a series of blood tests, just because," Ms Briggs said.
"She's an astounding doctor."
That consultation with her GP eventually led Ms Briggs to book a mammogram.
Along with three lesions in her breast, the surgeon discovered cancerous cells in her milk ducts and lymph nodes.
On reflection, Ms Briggs can identify signs that something wasn’t right in her body.
But, like most females, she was too busy caring for her three girls, balancing work as an ambulance community officer and performing gigs at local events.
She brushed aside concerns.
“My breasts were feeling a bit hot and heavy but I put that down to weight gain or hormones,” she said.
“I didn’t think anything of it and probably still wouldn’t know if I hadn’t responded to that letter telling me to book a routine pap-smear.”
Ms Brigg's hair is starting to fall out and every round of chemotherapy will bring new waves of exhaustion and nausea.
But her mindset, and priorities, couldn’t be clearer.
“I keep as busy as possible but, for the first time ever, I’m listening to my body,” she said.
“When I feel good, I’m making the most of it.
"I’m not wasting any more time in this life.”
Females of all ages can book in a free 45-minute health consultation until February 14 in Edenhope by calling 9675 0050.