Dianne
Christophers
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Breast Cancer
Survivor
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The 11th June 2018 is a date that will be forever engraved in my head.
At that date I was a 56-year-old lady with two grown children. Every two years like clockwork in June, I always did my mammograms. So, 2018 was no different except my daughter was not with me.
Towards the end of the mammo and scan the doctor informs me she is a bit concerned and needs to do more tests.
Now this is when the panic set in, although I kept saying to myself it cannot be, this happens to other people, it does not run in my family. The following day I received the news that I had breast cancer. The tears just flowed and wouldn't stop. This cannot be happening to me. I was terrified. It took a week to sink in and then I put it to the back of my head as I had an overseas holiday coming up. I was living in a bubble and truly could not even think about it. I went on an amazing holiday with lots of r and r, massages, pedis and sound therapy.
Life was great for three weeks, until two days before I had to fly home. Then reality set in and I knew it was time to start the journey. I went home armed with a strong body, mind and soul.
Two days after arriving home I started chemo. I can only say the support that I received during months of chemo from family and friends was overwhelming. I could not have done this without them!
They were at my side for every appointment. I continued to work during chemo and would be tired for about three days after chemo. My chemo ended in January, it was a fabulous start to 2019, although, I knew we still had another two phases of my journey.
February brought about my surgery. I opted for a lumpectomy. I had a choice and for me this was the option I chose. Surgery went well and I had six weeks to recover before radiation. Of everything I had been through the radiation is what frightened me the most, this lasted for six weeks every day.
The day I finished radiation was the start of the new me. I was not actually sure what the new me was but, I realised the strength I had during my journey was strength I never had before.
The days and weeks after my journey were not easy. I was scared, scared of, what if it comes back. It was a roller coaster of emotions, which now I know is very normal.
I have had the all clear for ten months now and realise my life has been enriched in so many ways. The people I have met have been so inspirational. I treasure my days and know that I am blessed beyond words.
I started my new business called Beauty & Blessings, making head wear for anyone going through hair loss.
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Someone once said to me during my journey, one day your story will be someone’s survival guide
My one-year survivor-ship is around the corner and I look forward to celebrating and sharing my story.
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