When Cancer Comes Knocking Writers Write. #DepthofMeaning

I wasn’t sure how to begin this. With most stories, we writers often agonise over our first sentence.  The events that lead…  When I first heard…  My heart was heavy…

Well, here we go.

Yesterday the word cancer was not rooted in my world quite as deeply as it is today. Because yesterday I didn’t have cancer, today I do.

Yes, it was a shock. I imagined, with no history of breast cancer in my family, that the biopsy tests would come back benign. But that wasn’t the case. I have been diagnosed with what is formally called a ductal carcinoma in situ. I will have the lump removed, tested and depending on the outcome of those tests receive radiation or chemotherapy.

I wanted to let everyone know here, formally, so not to have any incorrect stories begin to take flight. All my family and very close friends were told first to provide them time to process the news.

I am okay. I will continue working and writing and being me.

Another reason I’m formally taking to my blog and social media is to firstly thank Breast Screening Queensland for detecting this so early. I’d also like to thank the wonderful Breast Screening Queensland Team at the High Street clinic for conducting every procedure with care, kindness and support. I know better than most, working in the field of AOD, just how important the initial contact with a service can be.  And let me say I received the best care. You can find the Breast Screening Queensland website here

If you live interstate I have included the Breast Screening Australia information here.

My AIM here is to remind women to remember to do regular checks on their breasts. For those who are more mature, please ensure you have your regular mammogram. This is how this cancer was detected, through my regular two-yearly mammogram.

Cancer does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter how healthy you are it can happen. So please, be proactive and check your breasts regularly.

So until next time… “Be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques”