In October 2008, my beautiful 21 year old daughter Karlee was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a matter of weeks, she had a lumpectomy, then a mastectomy, including removal of 17 lymph nodes - four of which were cancerous. Our lives were changed forever.
I was always a 'worrywart', paranoid about car accidents. When Karlee and her two younger brothers started driving, that was my greatest fear. It never entered my mind that any illness - least of all cancer - could affect one of my children. Up to that point, I could always make things better - a kiss and a bandaid on a scraped knee, a hug and some kind words after a fight with a friend; but not this time. I was useless, powerless and helpless and absolutely terrified.
For the first few weeks, I couldn't stop crying, and without the love and support of family, friends, and workmates, I couldn't have continued to function. I think I went through every possible emotion in the first few months. Anger, denial, bargaining with the universe to take this away, it could change on an hourly basis.
What has inspired me the most is Karlee herself. Throughout this ordeal she has been so strong, brave and positive. She is what keeps me going, family and friends are in awe of her. She has dealt with this disease with more dignity than someone twice her age. With her fantastic attitude and sense of humour, she has made it so much easier for the rest of us.
We had always been close, but our bond is even more special now. The overwhelming support that has come from family, friends, and even strangers has renewed my faith in mankind. I have been touched and moved to tears by the kind words and gestures we have received. Karlee knows she is loved so much, by so many. We will continue to fight this battle with her, by her side, together. And we will win - of that I am sure.
Janeen, QLD
