Everyone who knows me knows I love a challenge, although this is one I didn’t want.
Two weeks ago, I got the news you don’t want to hear… “you have cancer.”
I have been diagnosed with early breast cancer. It’s been a stressful few weeks as the waiting to know if you have cancer is pure torture. So, I have become one of those 55 people who get diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia.
It’s funny how the numbers don’t really mean much until it’s you.
So anyway, I’m a sharing type of person, hence why I’m blogging about this. I’ve told a lot of people in my life, as talking really does help me, and I struggle to keep things in. Although a downside of telling the world that you have cancer is the worry, advice, and endless conversations that come with it.
It’s been quite draining, although lovely to know I’m surrounded by so many amazing people.
When you are told you have cancer, it’s like your life is just turned upside down. But the positive is that all of a sudden, you have absolute clarity on what is important and what you do and don’t like about your life.
What it has made me really grateful for is that I love my life. I have an AMAZING family, truly beautiful friends, and I love my businesses and what I do for ‘work’. I truly feel grateful.
So, this year hasn’t quite started as I’d planned. After what could only be described as a ‘hell’ year last year, it looks like I need my strength more than ever before. I must admit I’m trying really hard to stay positive, and most of the time, I am.
One of the hardest parts so far has been telling Braden. After losing his grandma last year to cancer, I was so worried about how he would take it. But I felt like he needed to know, as he picks up on everything that’s going on, and I’d rather he hear it from me than someone at school. He took it okay as we explained that cancer is different for everyone, and I’m lucky that I’ve caught mine early and it’s small. I think he just needs to see I’m doing okay and that he’s okay. He’s such an amazing kid!
So, for now, I’m just trying to stay positive. For sure, I have my moments—I get upset, I get worried—but I also know I can beat this, and I am determined to come out of this the healthiest I have ever been. In saying that, I may have eaten my bodyweight in chocolate the last few weeks, but who’s looking back?
I still don’t know exactly what my journey will look like just yet. I’ve got more tests to go through to determine the best surgery for me, and as they keep telling me, it’s just one step at a time.
I am also grateful for my amazing McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Diedre. Knowing I have someone to call when I have questions makes such a difference. McGrath Foundation
So, from here, it’s just staying positive. Life goes on—it doesn’t stop for cancer.
If you want to do something for me, go check your boobs or follow up on any health issues you might be having! Getting diagnosed early really does help.
If you need a reminder to ensure you are living a life you love, THIS IS IT. Don’t wait for something like this to happen to you; motivate yourself to make changes now.
I’m going to be fine.
Love,
Hilds
