The Uniboober

This is my friend Lauretta making her 75th donation of blood. Lauretta and I have known each other for 20 years, we first met when she was my lecturer at university on the Fraser Coast. Turns out she wasn’t only a master at teaching Public Relations, she also happened to be married to my favourite teacher from high school. The rest as they say is history and she is now among my most treasured friends.  Lauretta is a regular blood donor and plasma donor. Recently she and I have struck up an arrangement where she has committed to four donations a year, for the next five years, to replace the blood donations I am now unable to give because of my breast cancer diagnosis.  In regards to my blood donations, the timing of my breast cancer diagnosis was shitty because only months prior I had begun to donate blood again after a decade-long hiatus caused by irrational fear and anxiety about the process. I was annoyed because I felt like I was once more getting comfortable w...

4 October 2019 Today's radiation "measurement and marking" appointment went well with my gorgeous radiation oncologist Dr Debra Furniss from GenesisCare  in Buderim.  I'm sharing this radiation prepping experience in case it helps you, or someone you know, who is going to have radiation for breast cancer.  The sexy striped gown made me feel like a warrior queen and to top it off, underneath I was sporting my #FuckCancer undies...hand sewn by my awesome friend Robyn.  The measurement procedure itself was not too daunting and didn't last long but as I mentioned, I'm not a fan of medical equipment or medical machines that make noises.  I laid down in the CT scanner tunnel with arms extended above my head. My oncology radiologist Dr Furniss marked up my skin to outline the area to be targeted with the radiation x-rays . The radiation nurses then took CT scans of my chest area which took around 3 minutes of lying still while I wa...

2 October 2019 Attention, boob owners everywhere! Yeah, yeah we know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everyone is sharing soft pink ribbon posts and affirmations about being “breast aware”.  But guess what? It’s not enough!  Have a look at these photos, look closely at my mastectomy scar and you’ll see why.  In 2019, it is estimated that 19,371 Australian women and 164 Australian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s an average of 53 diagnoses each day and on Thursday 11 April this year, I was one of those 53 people.  Breast cancer awareness is not about “checking your breasts” or performing a monthly self-examination of your boobs. Not even your GP or health professional can perform a manual breast examination and tell for certain that you don’t have breast cancer.  I’ll explain why: Some breast cancers are not able to be detected by feeling lumps or seeing external skin changes. The type of breast cancer ...

1 October 2019 These warrior women from SCU Private Hospital 's oncology unit came into my life five months ago to help me kick cancer to the curb - Shelley, Hannah, Donna, Lou and the absent Emma (not pictured because she's in labour having a baby today!).  I entered into chemotherapy treatment as an anxious and hesitant breast cancer patient. I was terrified of medical procedures and was freaking out about the unknown of what lay ahead. This team of oncology nurses showed patience, understanding, empathy, respect, professionalism and kindness...as well as administering and managing my chemotherapy treatment.  They took my phone calls back in the early days of the Red Devil (doxorubicin) when I lamented about feeling like an anaemic, geriatric sloth after being smashed by severe fatigue. They took my calls about sleepless nights and major anxiety, encouraging me to take the prescribed Lorazepam - it was indeed better than diamonds and became this girl's new ...

1 October 2019 Today is my final chemotherapy treatment. Five months of cytotoxic drugs pumped into my body. Why? Because the DCIS cancer in my right breast had escaped the milk ducts and wandered off to check out my lymph nodes. Cheeky little fucker!  Today's final chemo warrior vibes were supported by my friend Robyn's handmade  #FuckCancer  nickers (cheers, Rob!).    These photos below show the external changes from first day of chemo and last day of chemo.

25 September 2019 Today I swam 1km (with flippers). It felt good to achieve this physical milestone despite taking 45 minutes. I even snuck in some freestyle, albeit it was very slow and won't be helping me win a gold medal any time soon. Physical activity has been great for my mental well being during chemotherapy treatment.  If I can do it, anybody can do it! (This small feat was achieved with the support of my TruLife "Active Flow" breast form and Amoena pocketed swimwear , tailored for women who have undergone mastectomy surgery)

24 September 2019 These heartwarming sunflowers were from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Melanie. They came to visit us and we were out and about, so when I arrived home these beauties were there to greet me. So thoughtful and kind!  I wanted to share the brightness and happiness of these stunning flowers so I took them along to my second-last chemo session today. I've left them in the oncology day unit where I receive my cancer treatment and I hope they bring a smile to the faces of others, like they did for me.  The lovely vase was a wedding gift from my husband's cousin Nikki and she was thrilled to know that it too was receiving compliments from patients and visitors.  Some people believe that giving flowers is a waste of money but I say poo to those haters. That bunch of flowers you give somebody might be the one bright thing that they need in their life amongst a week of sadness, illness or downright low points.  One of my special ...

23 September 2019 Five months ago today, my right breast was removed and I commenced the next chapter of my life as a uniboober. Physically these changes can be seen by the eye but I've changed in so many other ways emotionally, spiritually and mentally.  Thinking back to the mastectomy surgery, I mistakenly believed at the time that the breast removal was the largest component of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Little did I know it was merely one piece of the puzzle, one of the many new parts of my life that meant I'd never be the same again.  I'm getting more comfortable with accepting I'm not the same person and I'm never going to "get back to normal". I'm also not a big fan of the term "new normal", a reference many use for the next part of my life after active treatment has finished. When I do eventually return to work, when people I know ask how I'm doing, when a year or more has passed and I start to look "nor...

22 September 2019 I feel privileged to be part of this little team featuring three breast cancer survivors and one breast cancer health professional and advocate. On the far right is  my exercise physiologist Jen McKenzie, the ins tigator who brought this group together to begin coordinating an informal, face-to-face breast cancer support group for the Sunshine Coast community.   Second from right is Carmel, formerly of Toowoomba, who was responsible for creating the highly-successful breast cancer support group for the Darling Downs region. The group is still going strong and the Sunshine Coast is blessed to have Carmel in our midst to offer guidance and support.  Next to me is Anna, a fellow breast cancer survivor who is keen to meet others going through the same experience. I'm thrilled to be part of this initiative to help others going through the shittiness of breast cancer. Thank you ladies for your friendship, enthusiasm and kindness. We all have a...

18 September 2019 Wow, talk about making a uniboober feel special!  My beautiful work colleagues at Sunshine Coast Council put on a swish morning tea to show their support and encouragement for yours truly. Pink was the order of the day while we stuffed our faces during a communal #FuckCancer salute.  I was once again reminded why I love working with this bunch of amazing people. I've been on leave since my mastectomy surgery in April and I'm definitely missing the camaraderie and mental challenge of the work environment. Who knew I would miss work so much? I'm lucky to have so many #BreastFriends at work, especially my girls Lisa and Bernie who have kept my cup filled with regular lunch outings during my absence. My colleague Lisa (standing on my left in photo above) has been a rock for me, having been through her own breast cancer journey. As a survivor of 7 years she has been able to empathise with me about all the shitty parts of this emotional rolle...

17 September 2019 Chemo session #14. Only 3 to go!  Here's a poorly shot video to show the amazing technology and medical paraphernalia involved in chemotherapy treatment.  I'm doing well and I know I'm very lucky because there are many people around me receiving treatment who are doing it tough, physically and mentally. I see you, I hear you and I acknowledge you.  Thank you as always to the beautiful team of Donna, Shelley, Hannah, Lou and Emma at SCUPH's Cancer Day Unit for looking after their patients with care, respect and kindness.

15 September 2019 I was a bald-headed uniboober surrounded by a sea of pink for today's Sunshine Coast Walk for Women's Cancers hosted by  Cancer Council Queensland .  Walk for Women’s Cancers was founded in 2004 by Cassandra Munson. The idea was to give hope to Queensland women affected by cancer. Together, we walk towards a cure for women’s cancers. Did you know that finding signs of cancer early improves your chances of successful treatment? Find out how you can reduce your cancer risk  today  and encourage the women in your life to be proactive, it could just save their life.

10 September 2019 Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. In 2017 (the last reporting period), 3,128 people in Australia died by ending their own life. Regrettably, suicide has directly affected my family, my friendship group and former colleagues. Those I've lost to suicide include my uncle, a work colleague and two high school friends.  I almost lost a close family member during a severe mental health crisis but thankfully he was adequately supported and prevented from harming himself. I'll never forget the helplessness I felt at the time, wondering how - during this moment of utmost vulnerability - I could show him there were other ways to manage his pain, sorrow and despair.  I don't believe suicide is selfish or cowardly, as I've heard some people say. I see it as the only option that some people feel is the answer to their situation at that very moment - whether it's brought about through pain, anxiety, depression, mental health, financial circumstanc...

9 September 2019 Today I attended a funeral for the father of a dear friend who I’ve known since Year 6. This same friend lost her younger sibling to brain cancer four years ago, so today’s celebration of her father’s life brought back memories of the wretchedness and grief this family has already endured.  My friend’s father was remembered during a beautiful service that featured laughter and smiles, anecdotes about special times, and photographs and videos depicting a life well lived and a gentleman who was well loved.  Even though there is sadness over his sudden passing, it was clear today that my friend’s father had left a legacy among his family and friends that life was about three things - having fun, loving others and being loved in return. I’m a firm believer that these are the building blocks for living a happy and satisfied life. It’s definitely true what people say about how cancer changes the way you look at life and evaluate what is truly important. As a ...

7 September 2019 Today my boy and I took on the challenge of Nambour parkrun . According to sources, it's the toughest Parkrun course in Australia with humongous hills (158m elevation gain).  Let's just say those sources were fairly accurate. My Garmin tells me that we climbed the equivalent of 63 flights of stairs throughout the 5km bushwalk (my daily goal is 5 flights). It was beautiful being outdoors listening to the whip birds but gee willikers it was a tough course.  After we returned home and showered, I promptly climbed into bed "for a short rest" and dozed for almost two hours, utterly pooped. Today's walk was probably a little ambitious but I'm proud of this accomplishment. My physical fitness has certainly taken a dive this year since my breast cancer diagnosis, yet I'm determined to get it back on course.

6 September 2019 I'm thrilled to announce that my lymphoedema is already reversing quickly. With advice from my rad physiotherapist Jen , I faced that lymphoedema head on and used my best angry mum voice (while channelling my inner Samuel L Jackson) to shout "Back the fuck up, motherfucker!" And it worked! This graph shows the reduction in fluid in my right arm achieved in one week through daily exercise and wearing the sexy AF compression sleeve. I'm one of many women affected by lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery, caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system (part of the immune and circulatory systems) resulting from lymph node removal. I said it last week and I'll say it again...I'm so lucky to have Jen and other health professionals at my disposal to give me the right advice and support.  If someone you know is affected by breast cancer surgery, please encourage them to seek advice from a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist early and have thei...

30 August 2019 Modelling the latest sexy addition in my bag of tricks to manage the side effects of breast cancer surgery and treatment. My rad physiotherapist Jen from   The McKenzie Clinic  has been using her awesome whizbang technology, the SOZO bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) device from   ImpediMed , to track and measure my fluid balance and tissue status. Today Jen confirmed   that indeed there is a slight increase in the fluid build up around my armpit and right arm, heralding the early stages of lymphoedema .  Thankfully it's treatable and able to be reversed through exercise, wrapping, massage and compression (hence the sexy sleeve that will undoubtedly bring all the boys to my yard). Lymphoedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system (part of the immune and circulatory systems), commonly resulting from lymph node removal or damage due to cancer treatment. I was hoping to avoid it but I'm so lucky to have Jen...

29 August 2019 My eyebrows and eyelashes missed the memo stating they are meant to fall out in equal numbers at the same time. I think one eyebrow has around 9 hairs remaining. This is an ironic situation because prior to my breast cancer diagnosis I was considering a fix up job on my already thinning brows.  I used to complain about how my brows were gradually disappearing, my own fault from over-plucking in my teens and 20s (should have listened to my mother!). Now it's happening for real and there's nothing I can do about it.

25 August 2019 Mr Uniboober moonlights as a MAMIL (middle aged man in lycra) because he's a triathlete obsessed with the pursuit of IRONMAN .  He's showing his support of uniboobers and breast cancer patients with his rad new Fuck Cancer cycling kit from Champion System . Not only does it look fucking awesome but it's amazing quality cycling gear.  If you see this guy cycling on Sunshine Coast roads, give him a thumbs up and show your support for the partners, loved ones, carers and amazing medical professionals who care for those among us living with cancer and giving it the royal middle finger!

23 August 2019 Why should you buy daffodils or donate to Cancer Council Australia ? Because it helps to raise funds for medical research that helps uniboobers, like me, and other people who are diagnosed with cancer.  I’m being treated with a drug called Herceptin which tells my hormones – ever so politely – to stop cooperating with the breast cancer. It’s not a cure but it helps increase my prognosis because it's targeted specifically to my type of cancer. The herceptin drug was only developed through years of cancer research and that’s why it’s important to get behind campaigns such as Daffodil Day.  You can buy daffodils and merchandise from a fundraising location near you (visit the website to search for your closest site) or you can make a donation online at https://www.daffodilday.com.au/

12 August 2019 What's a uniboober to do when she falls out of love with road running and needs a new fitness challenge? Head for the beaten track and take up trail running...of course! Thanks to Brad from The Running Company - Sunshine Coast for helping me choose these beauties for my first trail running shoes, the  Salomon Running  'Sense Ride 2' with fancy schmancy toggle laces.  They're super comfortable, sturdy and despite the material being one of my least favourite shoe colours, they make my heart sing because they signal the promise of new adventures and challenges.  Breast cancer and chemo got nothing on this running mama!

10 August 2019 Halfway through chemotherapy, sharing my thoughts about uniboober life and breast cancer. It's not all unicorns and rainbows.  A few tears for me this morning after my brain decided to flashback to key moments in the last few months - having a breast biopsy, my diagnosis day, my surgery and first day of chemo. This is not how I planned 2019 but shit happens, hey?

8 August 2019 Today I met with my radiation oncologist, Dr Debra Furniss. She's the Regional Medical Director Oncology for Sunshine Coast at  GenesisCare   and she has dozens of letters behind her name which gives me confidence that she knows quite a bit about the business of cancer fuckoffery. She's going to zap my mastectomy surgery site, right chest wall, upper lymph nodes and armpit with targeted x-rays in an effort to vanquish any remaining cancer cells.   Starting in late October, I'll be   having daily radiation sessions for five weeks with my final (and 25th) session likely occurring the day before my 42nd birthday. What a gift! The other positive news is that the end of chemo will kick off a three-week "break" from all treatment. Woohoo!   It finally feels like there's going to be an end to this treatment schedule.

Sometimes it's the little things that mean a lot. Since my diagnosis, I've received many beautiful gifts and keepsakes throughout this shitty journey and they bring me a great deal of warmth and comfort.  One of my cousins gave me this beautiful necklace and when I wear it, I'm reminded of the support crew I have beside me.  My cuz has been through the wringer on a different journey and continues to inspire me as she faces the highs, lows and uncertainties of her own health challenges with dignity, strength and pride. The necklace is a visual reminder that shitty things happen all the time but that we can rise up through the shit, plough our way through the steaming turds and just keep going day by day.  These items below are just some of the lovely gifts I've received from friends, family and colleagues.