I discovered a lump in my armpit and went to the doctor. She didn’t think it looked serious, but thankfully she suggested further tests — and I am grateful every single day that we did.
Those tests revealed a lump in my right breast. Ten lymph nodes were removed, and cancer was found in two of them.
In May 2015, the lump was removed. Chemotherapy began in July and finished in November. Radiation followed from December through January 2016.
Two weeks after my surgery, my life changed in another way I wasn’t prepared for. The man I had been with for nine years — the man I was engaged to — told me he didn’t love me anymore. Or rather, he loved me only as a friend. We continued living in the same house, but in separate rooms. The heartbreak was, in many ways, harder than the cancer. At times, I felt more broken by that than by the diagnosis itself. But I can say we are friends now.
I was living in Mandurah. My mum was in Geraldton. My daughter was living in Jurien. I felt incredibly alone.
On the weekend of my 50th birthday — January 14 — I moved out, with incredible help from the family of my employer at the time. Their kindness meant more than I can ever say. I’m still friends with them today.
Now, ten years on, I’m happy. Life is good. I work as a storeman for a company where the people are supportive and encouraging. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
This year, I’m taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave to celebrate 10 years cancer-free and to give back. I’m shaving my hair to help raise funds so that others don’t have to face cancer alone.
