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Maria Sardea

Maria Sardea Diagnosed age 33 I think the scariest thing for me was coming to terms with the fact that I would need to have chemotherapy and I would have to sit my two sons down and tell them mum has cancer and needed ‘special medicine to make her better'. Maria Sardea at her first round of chemo My story goes back to soon after my 33rd birthday in March this year, when I went to see my GP after discovering a lump in my right breast. I was assured it was ‘nothing serious' because firstly, I was too young to have breast cancer and second, I had no family history. I won't lie, I was scared to death but did feel a little relieved when my GP referred me to the RWH's breast unit. In the mean time, an ultrasound and mammogram was scheduled for me also. The whole process of waiting for these results was a little daunting but I tried to remain positive, particularly when I was told over and over that I had nothing to worry about. In April I met with a breast doctor at the Breast Unit and made the decision to have the lump removed at the risk of worrying about it growing or changing. Two weeks after my operation, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told I would need another operation right away. This time however, the surgeon needed to be sure that cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes. Once again, more surgery and later more bad news.. the cancer had spread to my nodes and even though it was the slightest amount, I would need one more operation. I think the scariest thing for me was coming to terms with the fact that I would need to have chemotherapy and I would have to sit my two sons down and tell them mum has cancer and needed ‘special medicine to make her better'. It was hard for me because my oldest son was almost 10 years old, so I couldn't lie or pretend to him. As expected, he was devastated and cried for the longest time. My youngest, who is only 6 went about playing his Nintendo Wii !! It is now September and I just completed 3 months of chemotherapy and am currently waiting to start radiotherapy daily for 5 weeks. I am doing well and smiling again! My family have been wonderful, as have my friends and community in general. I also learnt to say yes to friends cooking for me and helping out with school drop offs and pick ups. I also have a lovely collection of bandanas that I chop and change to suit my mood for daily wear!  I may have no hair, but for now my bandana is my hair and I choose to look after it with the same love and care! It is true that no one really understands what a woman goes through unless you too have been touched by breast cancer. I've had days of wanting to hide under my bed and never surface again, but somehow the love and support I have from my husband, kids, family and friends is there to pull you through. To other young women dealing with Breast Cancer, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Maria Sardea- SURVIVOR, and mother! Last Updated 7 December 2007