Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor
I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosed back in November 2012. Now after all the treatment and appointments, specialists and monitoring, I am still here and so far so good. I don't regularly came onto the BCNA Website now, however I was a prominent visitor for the year of 2013, for those who recognize my photo. After all the successful ops, chemo and rads, we moved to Sydney and been here for 2 years. I had taken a year off during my Cancer and it was necessary. The return to work was difficult and I went back part time. My brain was like mush originally and my work place tolerated me with kindness. I returned as a Pharmacy Assistant, and stepped into a very busy work place here in Sydney, but still working only 4 days a week. They have given me zero responsibility and menial tasks. I was upfront the week before my 6 months probation finished, about having had Cancer.
I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real.
Survivor Belinda McKenna
I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real.
Survivor Belinda McKenna