Toowoomba breast cancer survivor Marianne Buchanan writes Breaking Breast play which will be held at the Empire Theatre

A Toowoomba creative has opened up about her devastating health journey which inspired her to write a play about the experience.

Marianne Buchanan is directing Breaking Breast – a production based on her own experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer, at the Empire Theatre next month. Picture: Rhylea Millar

When Marianne Buchanan first discovered a lump in her breast, her intuition set in and she began living every day like it was her last.

Diagnosed with invasive stage three breast cancer in late 2018, the then 36-year-old began planning her own funeral.

While the single mum said she wanted to survive for her two children, she resigned herself to the fact she may not live.

As Ms Buchanan’s health deteriorated and she developed a severe lung infection, she began painting a self-portrait in hospital which was intended to serve as “something to remember” her by.

“As soon as I felt it (the lump), I knew – I just knew it was cancer,” she said.

“My brother died of Leukaemia at 25, so I just didn’t think I would make it, and I could not see a road ahead.

“I wanted to survive and be here for my children, but other than that I was surprisingly at peace with the fact I may not make it.”

Marianne Buchanan's self-portrait.

While Ms Buchanan was fighting for her life, her mum moved in to serve as her full-time carer despite the pair having a long, complicated and tension-filled history.

The aggressive cancer grew so quickly that when it was detected it had already spread from Ms Buchanan’s breast to surrounding tissue and into her right arm, resulting in a double mastectomy, removal of 23 lymph nodes and 25 sessions of radiation.

“I did all the right things – I ate organically and gluten-free for 15 years, but I still got cancer, so I felt very angry … I felt like I was drowning inside,” she said.

“My mum and I weren’t estranged as such, but we had preconceived ideas about each other that caused misunderstandings over the years, so when she moved in it was a bit rocky.”

When doctors told Ms Buchanan she was cancer-free, she began writing a screenplay called Breaking Breast which follows her devastating health journey and explores her complicated relationship with her mum.

Marianne Buchanan is directing Breaking Breast – a production based on her own experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer, at the Empire Theatre next month. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Featuring real-life conversations, the authentic performance will be delivered using the Brechtian theatre style which includes minimal sets and quick character changes.

While many would shy away from sharing their most vulnerable moments publicly, Ms Buchanan said the experience had been cathartic.

The educator who now teaches art at a secondary school in Toowoomba, said the creative process had allowed her to heal her wounds and was also intended to serve others.

“(Breaking Breast) is uplifting and it’s a tear-jerker, but I want people to walk out going ‘nothing is stopping me from achieving my own dreams’.”

“You can focus on all you’ve lost or all the horror of what you’ve been through or you can find ways to laugh, stay positive and be present, and that’s what I’m choosing to do.”

Ms Buchanan said she felt it was important to showcase how it felt to be someone living with cancer, as well as remind loved ones not to “back away” or “act differently” when someone was diagnosed.

Marianne Buchanan is hospital.

She said while her diagnosis meant she would never be the same person she was and would always live in fear of the cancer returning, she wanted to fully embrace her life and opportunities.

Breaking Breast will be at the Empire Theatre’s Studio stage at 6.30pm on July 18 to 20, as part of its Homegrown Independent’s Program.

The play, which features nine cast members, runs for 230 minutes and has a 20 minute interval.

A donation will be made to the Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre for every ticket purchased.

For more information, visit empiretheatre.com.au