Brisbane mother Tracey Harris’s breast cancer battle

A beloved Brisbane mother is facing the battle of the lifetime as she undergoes unbearably painful treatment for breast cancer and fights to stay alive – not wanting to leave her daughters without a mother.

Tracey Harris (Pile) with her daughters Zara and Lily, and her husband Ryan. Picture – contributed.

A Brisbane mother is facing the battle of the lifetime as she undergoes unbearably painful treatment for breast cancer in her fight to stay alive.

At the end of last month, Brisbane mother of two Tracey Harris, 35, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer — changing her life forever.

The popular office worker, who grew up in Moreton Bay, has the support of her loving husband, Ryan Harris, and her best friend Seanne Peachey.

Ms Peachey said she and Mrs Harris had been best friends since meeting at Caboolture State High School 10 years ago when they were just 15.

Seanne Peachey and Tracey Harris. Picture – contributed.

“She’s such a special and beautiful person to me and it’s been really hard to watch her go through something like this,” she said.

“She just found a lump under her breast and it was really little and we didn’t think it was anything but thought it was better to be careful and get it checked out.

“We were devastated to learn it was actually a 4cm cancerous tumour.”

Since her official diagnosis on August 22, 2023, Mrs Harris has been forced to quit her job to focus solely on her treatment and recovery.

“It’s just been one test after another,” Ms Peachey said.

“She’s started chemotherapy too and has been in excruciating pain.

“There’s been multiple trips to the emergency department and they’ve had to keep upping her pain medication.”

Tracey Harris with her husband Ryan Harris. Picture – contributed.

Doctors also believed the cancer may have spread to her lymph nodes under her arm, near her breast.

Mrs Harris has started her six-month-long chemotherapy treatment plan, will then have surgery, and possibly another year and a half of treatment would follow — depending how her body reacts.

“Basically the cancer is feeding off her hormones,” Ms Peachey explained.

“It’s been terrifying. Especially them being such a young family.

“Her biggest fear is not being there for her two girls Lily (3) and Zara (6). She doesn’t know what will happen if she can’t beat this and doesn’t want them to grow up without a mother.”

Tracey Harris (Pile). Picture – contributed.

Both of the girls know their mother is unwell, however the six-year-old was particularly concerned.

“Zara is really sensitive and being that little bit older she’s more tuned into what’s happening,” Ms Peachey said.

“She is always worried her mum is in pain and doesn’t like it when she goes to the hospital.

“To try and calm her nerves Tracey brought her along to her first round of chemo … the hospital was really good about it and the nurses even brought her some spare scrubs to dress up in so she could help look after mummy.”

While Zara is in Year 1 at school, Lily still attends daycare. With only Mr Harris working full time now – they’re struggling to afford the care.

Tracey Harris getting her chemo with the help of her daughter Zara. Picture – contributed.

“It’s tough because although they can’t afford it Tracey is also too sick to look after her,” Ms Peachey said.

“They’re paying for all of her treatment and care themselves and have gone from a two income household to just relying on Ryan.

“She could have gone on a waitlist to have her treatment costs covered but with how far along it is they just really don’t have that time.

“She wouldn’t have survived.”

Tracey Harris (Pile) her husband Ryan. Picture – contributed.

According to her best friend, Mrs Harris is a very private and giving person. Allowing Ms Peachey to create a GoFundMe campaign to support them was very difficult for her.

“She’s such a kind and sweet person … very family orientated and so giving in every way,” Ms Peachey said.

“She didn’t want to ask for help but they desperately need it.

“It’s been really beautiful to see so many people reach out to offer support and help. She’s just so loved.

“Those girls are her entire life and we need to get her through this so that they get to grow up with their mother’s love and support.”

The family also said they would encourage all women to regularly check their breasts.

“If she hadn’t been checking them who knows how much worse this could have been,” Ms Peachey said.

“It doesn’t matter how young you are … this can affect anyone.”

You can donate to support the Harris family here.