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Pamela with daughter Ruby
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‘Thelma and Louise ... and Thorpie'
When I was diagnosed in 2005, I went into total meltdown. I was sure it was the worst thing that could ever happen. I had been a nurse for 15 years, and then studied to become a naturopath because I couldn't handle the drug regimes we gave to patients. Now my worst nightmare had come true.
My treatment included a mastectomy, axillary clearance and chemotherapy. My god! Chemotherapy! Not me, no way. I would never yield. However, yield I did out of sheer fear and my determination to survive for my gorgeous family. I was also really scared of dying.
Now I'm a survivor. How things have changed. I no longer fear treatments. I am strong and happy - a little too happy, which is weird. My whole world now revolves around the present. I gave up my career and now work cleaning houses listening to loud music and dancing. Things you can never do in private practice! I do tuckshop duty. I attend all of my daughter's school events. I cook dinner for my husband. I thrive when my son comes home from the oil rigs after a fortnight in Bass Strait. I cannot get enough of the REAL things. My dog now sleeps on the bed. I walk every week on the beach; walk the dogs every day around the local lake; visit my parents who I adore; do a lot of sky watching at night.
I have a better body image because when you lose a part of your physical parts the beauty myth and vanity take a back seat. We named my prosthesis, Thelma, and my real breast is Louise. And Ruby, my ten year old, named my swimming prosthesis Thorpie! How hilarious is that! Life is truly amazing. It is such a pity I had to lose a breast to get here but better late than never.
Last updated August 2007
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