My Breast Cancer Journey
My cancer journey started in August of 2011, two days after my 46th birthday!
I wasn't a regular breast checker or had utilised the early detection mammogram network. I had mammograms before don't get me wrong, but I always passed those with flying colours. NEVER imagining I would develop an early breast cancer. Besides why would I have cancer? I was only in my mid forties? Could not happen to me could it? My mother hadn't had it nor my sisters?
I found the 3cm tumor by chance whilst in the bath washing under my left arm and breast. The very moment I found that lump I knew it was cancer. In my mind flashed the image of me going through chemo and losing my breast. My husband, children and I were terrified of my testing to come. I was hoping my instincts were wrong! A mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy proved the unthinkable!!!
Luckily for me my breast was saved and the tumor was removed. I named my tumor 'Norbit' because it was a terrible name for a terrible thing that had taken over my body and my life!!!
Chemo followed soon after my recovery from surgery, where I became very ill losing my hair and my dignanty. I also have an Autoimmune Disease that caused havoc with my treatment and my body. Blood clots also hampered my recovery from everything being thrown at me to ensure my survival. I even went to see a psychiatrist to help me with my struggle through cancer! This helped me immensley as I also came to terms with some other demons in my life too!
But...I am here today to tell the tale which is all that matters! So after 29 sessions of Radiotherapy and 6 sessions of chemo I decided to buy a 7 day a week business. Brave? Stupid? Crazy? All Three? Anyway I did it and met some fellow sufferers and survivors during my time as owner along the way. Since I sold the shop this last February I have realised that like the words of 'Forrest Gump' you really do not know what type of life you are going to have? We should all try to make the most and best of it and take chances in your life no matter what the outcome!
I have decided through some gentle nudging of family and friends to attend 'FOW 2014' in Melbourne this May. I will stand proudly with the other men and women who have been through breast cancer like me, and embrace life to its fullest dressed in my pretty pink poncho. My kids are coming too which will be awesome to say the least.
I am now in my third year since having the cancer change my life. As terrible as it was to go through, I am now a much stronger and more couragous woman. I lived my dream of owning my own business and managed to strike off something that meant so much to me, off my 'Bucket List.' Now I have to get to Paris with my husband to take the next important thing off the list and think of other things to put on there and do before i die.
Be brave everyone and know that if I can do it? so can you. :)
