West Melbourne, Vic
Diagnosed age 29
Rebuilding the House of Cards
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Skye Santos
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I had just arrived home from a "trip of a lifetime" in Europe, where I spent 18 months exploring the continent, and found myself working in exotic locations such as Turkey, the Greek Islands and the French Alps. I had found a lump in my left breast while in London 4 months previously. Being away from home and suffering from a serious lack of funds allowed me to put it to the back of my mind, without too many worries. It was the broken arm that I sustained in France which brought me home early.
Upon my arrival home I set about finding a job, a new place to live and got back together with an old boyfriend, who I had thought about the entire time I was away. Life was perfect. It was summer, and I couldn't have scripted it better myself. After my cast came off I went to my local GP to get the lump checked out, where I was assured it was nothing to worry about, but was sent for an ultrasound "just in case". Within weeks my world, as I knew it, ceased to exist. I had an aggressive grade 3 tumour and after 2 surgeries, I was set to embark on 4 months of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation.
My carefully placed house of cards came crashing down around me. Not only did I have a cancer diagnosis at 29, I lost my job, was evicted from my flat and the boyfriend left as it was "too difficult" for him. Enter the dark times. Starting chemotherapy was the toughest time of my life, it was scary and I felt just awful. After a period I got used to the cycles and was able to feel OK most of the time. I set about getting back my life. I was fortunate enough to move in with some very supportive friends, bought myself some treats and started looking for work again, and realised not only did I have a life worth living, but what a fantastic life it would be!
I am now out of the dark and into the ever-increasingly bright light. Cancer truly does give you that all important perspective on life. Each day brings a beauty to it that I might have otherwise missed. Sunsets have never been more beautiful, birds singing never sounded sweeter. It has also given me a strength that I never knew existed, and a confidence that I can tackle anything life throws at me. As for love.... he'd have to be a pretty special guy to fit into my life now, as it is full to bursting, doing all the things I love in life, including bringing awareness to young women about breast cancer. This is my life now, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Last Updated 7 December 2007
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Skye Santos 
