You've got breast cancer - WTF!

This was a tough one. But I felt it important to share my journey which also links to the motivation for my blog and writing.

In July of this year (2023) after a routine mammogram I was diagnosed with a high-grade non-invasive cancer in my left breast. A DCIS - ductal carcinoma in situ. DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer, which means it has not spread through the walls of the milk ducts into the surrounding breast tissue. It is in situ - meaning in place. What followed has been a lumpectomy and a course of radiation therapy.

A scary and confronting diagnosis to be sure. With a roller-coaster of emotions, a confusing and overwhelming amount of information, and lots of challenging moments. I have also been blessed with the love and support of my beautiful family and great friends. For this I am truly grateful.

I am also eternally grateful to the fabulous care from BreastScreen Queensland (Townsville Office); Breast Cancer Network Australia, the incredible team at the Townsville University Hospital , Queensland X-ray, my General Practitioner and the staff at the Townsville Cancer Centre . They are all (every single one) a top class team!

The entire experience highlights the benefits of early detection and quality medical care. I feel very fortunate that we have such services in our region! This is something we must always be vigilant to protect, maintain and invest in.

If you have not attended to your routine medical checks including a mammogram, PLEASE prioritise your self-care and book in today!

For now, I am enjoying some time off work, recuperating, resting and healing and enjoying some pastimes. Hence, the development of my blog and immersing myself in writing, for sheer enjoyment of it. Unearthing writing that has been sitting in files and notebooks and on my to-do list for some time (years in fact) has been cathartic. I've even been doing some gardening!

A cancer diagnosis challenges and changes you. I am on my own journey to heal, re-connect, and reflect on life. I want to connect with things that bring me joy that can get lost in all the noise. Stay tuned - and I will share my journey as part of my blog, 50 (the plus is silent) and I hope to have some fun along the way.

The picture below is a metaphor for my place in the universe right now. The plants, succulents which I love, and a great partner for my foray into gardening because they are hardy and forgiving; my running medals, a reminder that you can do things you didn't think you could; and my radiation nose peg - used for Deep Inspiration Breath Hold. A reminder that health and wellbeing is a precious thing, and that I went through something tough. As a result, I get to be kind to me, guilt-free! The nose peg is deliberately a small reminder. Whilst this cancer experience will not define me. I intend to use it for the purposes of good, a personal call to action. You will definitely see me living my best life with no excuses.

Team - stay focused and strategic and please, get those health checks done!

Kym