‘Paddling through to recovery'
On 26 October 2005, I was told I had breast cancer. From that day on my life changed. I had a full mastectomy (left breast) in November. Loosing the breast did not bother me as I always had trouble with it. But having cancer was the big blow. I had talks with my surgeon about having the other breast off. I was scared the cancer would recur. So, after all the treatment, I planned to have the other breast removed. Then they would look the same.
I started chemotherapy in January the following year. I can't tell you how it made me feel, even on good days. You just have to get on with life. The grandchildren helped me through. They didn't care if I was bald or blown up with the drugs. To them, I was still their Nan.
My last chemo visit was 6 July 2006 - a wonderful day. Just knowing that in five days I'd start feeling human again. A five week break, then a short ‘holiday' to Queensland to see my old friends, Joy and Corrie Schulz, to prepare for radiotherapy. I started radiotherapy in September. I didn't mind going for this treatment, knowing it was not going to make me sick.
At this stage my hair was growing back, including my eyebrows! While I was having radiation my body was tired, but I needed to do something to get back a bit of strength and lose the weight (approx 7 kilos) that I had put on. It was bothering me.
I read an article about dragon boat racing. I made contact by phone and spoke to one of the women in the group. I thought I might as well go and see what it was all about. When I arrived at the lake, the women made me feel very welcome. Some were survivors; others supporters.
They put the boat in the water. I thought I'd watch to see what they do. Next thing I had a life jacket on, a paddle in my hand, and I was in the boat. What a great feeling it was to be gliding on the water with 15 women and one man (the sweep). Had no idea what a sweep was. So I just listened and had it all explained to me.
Paddling made me tired, but a good tired. When we started to talk about breast cancer, some of the women showed me their breast reconstructions. Some had theirs done 19 years after their surgery; others only four weeks later. They all looked great. They all helped me to make up my mind to have a reconstruction.
I paddled all through radiation, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Our club, Adelaide Survivors Abreast, enters competitions in the social section and recently won five heats out of six starts. Every one makes you feel special. Just to have the company of others who have been on the same journey reminds me that I'm not the only one.
Dragon boat racing is not just for breast cancer survivors but their supporters. As well as my husband, Wayne, my son, Ricky, and sister (Sharon) and brother-in-law (Malcolm) have joined the club. We have made a lot of friends from all walks of life. It's great fun.
Last updated August 2007
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