The Uniboober

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...