I was diagnosed in November 2006 with breast cancer; an invasive ductal carcinoma grade 2. I was only 35 years old with two small children at the time aged 7 and 4. I was devastated. I couldn't believe this was happening to me I had no family history of breast cancer and I was a fitness fanatic with a love of running and participating in races. I was meant to be totally healthy. What happened?
In January 2007 I underwent chemotherapy after the surgical removal of my lump, then radiotherapy. I lost all my hair but not my spirit.
There were many times when I would look out the window at my boys playing and laughing kicking a ball, who were unaware of what was going on, wanting to protect them, sobbing on the floor, thinking will I be here to see them through school, homework, just being a mum able to hug and cuddle my little innocent ones when they hurt themselves. Who would be there to look after my babies if the unthinkable ever happened?
Night after night when I finally heard the slight snores of my husband, knowing that everyone was asleep, I would break down and sob quietly in the darkness.
The doctors told me I would be lucky enough to walk, not run, through treatment. However, through my determination, after dropping the children at school each morning I would still set out to run - only half the distances and speeds I was used to, but at least I was out there taking my mind off the nausea and what I was going through emotionally.
My running took my mind off things and got me through my treatment along with the help of my children and family because you knew they depended on you - there was no other choice, you just had to keep on going. In retrospect this was a blessing. I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself; it made the time go quickly and made me appreciate every moment.
I am glad now, a year after all my treatment has finished, that I never gave up. My running fitness has returned and 1m racing half marathons. I'm gearing up for the full marathon in Melbourne in October 2008. I was very pleased with my first Mothers' Day Classic race this year- 8 kms in 35 minutes and I raised over $3500.
Breast cancer is an ordeal I would never want to go through again, however I have learned so much from this experience. The wisdom and spirituality I have learned have changed my life for the better. It has given me a second chance to live life, change life and, most of all, it has opened doors to meeting the most amazing people. My experiences have encouraged me to go on and make a difference, break the boundaries, believe in myself, be positive, optimistic and then yes you can achieve anything and you will succeed and overcome any hurdle life may bring. I have learned life is short, appreciate every day, and no matter what, love, smile and laugh and so will the world with you.
--Serena
