My early stage breast cancer was diagnosed in 2008, when I was 50. Shortly afterwards I had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy and am now on hormone therapy. With tremendous support from my husband, a dedicated medical team and a huge dose of positive thinking, I believe I've travelled the first year of my journey relatively unscathed.
Six months after surgery we attended an open day at the Sydney Trapeze School so our 7 year old son could try out the flying trapeze.
I was offered a turn and, albeit a little hesitantly due to surgery scars and healing tissue, I agreed.
The adrenalin soared through my body as I swung eight metres above the ground. Terrified, I tumbled into the safety net and onto wobbly legs, swearing it was the scariest experience of my life. Just 30 minutes later, once my feet were back on terra firma and the adrenalin rush had ended, my feelings changed. I loved it.
For my birthday two days later my husband surprised me with a voucher for three 2 hour trapeze classes. What a gift. Mentally, I was up for it, however it was several months before I felt physically ready for this strenuous challenge.
Around a year after my breast cancer diagnosis I completed my three classes. I can now successfully perform a knee hang, exit with a back flip into the net and execute a mid air catch with the instructor. I'll never know whether it was the experience of surviving breast cancer that allowed me the courage to fly on the trapeze but I do know it is so far the most exhilarating experience of my life.
Whilst I won't be running away to join a circus anytime soon, I will continue flying the trapeze as I continue my journey.
--Shelley, NSW
