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Before Kerry had chemo and then after her chemo
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‘My hair'
On 22 June 2005, I turned 39. The countdown to the big ‘4' ‘0' had just begun. Life was going well. The usual nine to five grind, with one day rolling into another and life going on without thought. Days later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my world was turned upside down. Two years on and life is very different, but in good way.
Tests revealed a 2.5 cm tumour in my left breast as well as several smaller tumours scattered around the breast. The non-localised nature of these cancers meant a mastectomy was the safest option to ensure that all of the cancer (both seen and unseen) was removed. I couldn't believe this was happening. I'd had a benign lump removed from my right breast 15 years earlier. I assumed this was just going to be another benign lump. I didn't seriously entertain the idea that it could be something worse, so was totally unprepared for the news.
Those first few weeks following diagnosis are all a bit of a blur now. There was so much information to absorb and so many options to consider. My life was suddenly out of control and revolving entirely around my cancer treatment. I decided on the day of my diagnosis to have a breast reconstruction, in conjunction with the mastectomy, so that I didn't have to face the trauma of waking up without my breast. Fortunately my lymph nodes were clear so radiotherapy wasn't required. But chemotherapy, followed by hormonal treatment, was advised to reduce the chances of the cancer returning.
The decision to have chemotherapy was the hardest decision. I was told that the surgery was likely to have removed all of the cancer, so why put myself through the trauma of chemotherapy. My hair had been long since childhood (almost reaching my knees). The thought of losing it was very distressing as I'd always taken great pride in it and it was a unique part of my identity.
My cancer journey gave me the opportunity to re-assess my life and what is important. Work had never been the overriding factor but I'd never had the courage to seriously consider the alternatives. Following treatment, I returned briefly to my professional career in the IT industry but found there was too much stress on a daily basis.
So, last September my partner and I took the huge step of selling our home in Melbourne and relocating to mid-coast NSW. This has given us the opportunity to live a simpler, more relaxed lifestyle with time to focus on my wellbeing, as well as the added benefit of moving closer to my family. Unfortunately, it also meant leaving behind some wonderful friends who supported me during my treatment.
I feel as though I've been given a second chance on life so want to make the most of every day. I'm trying to stop worrying about the little things and only focus on what's really important. Anything can happen to change your life in an instant so I want to live my life to the full and take advantage of every opportunity.
Last updated August 2007
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