When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2012 I knew right away that I would have a double mastectomy because I wasn’t going to put myself through it all again if it ever came back. Even though I could have just had a lumpectomy, this is the way I chose as I had knowledge from watching my mother Battle with it over 20 years ago.
After having the mastectomy they found cancer in
one of my lymph nodes so a week later I was back in hospital having my lymph nodes out, that was an emotional set back but it also told me I had made the right decision.
I was recommended my surgeon as the best, from one great surgeon to another. Christobell Saunders and Mark Lee. Extremely happy with both!! One of the hardest decisions you have to make is who to go to but I was given
the recommendation by a friend who was a theatre nurse at the hospital.
I chose to keep it a really private journey just so I could be left alone to heal. I had chemo for about five months and took a year off work. I went back to my job six weeks after I had my last operation as I’m a swimming teacher and had to be able to swim 300mtrs before I was allowed back teaching so that was a bit of a push. I had floats on the top and bottom depending on what stroke I was doing, haha.
More than anything and no matter how your feeling get up and go for a walk, go a little further each time. Now days I go to a boot camp three times a week and swim twice, so things do get back to normal and I love life, not just a little!!
I had the latissimus dorsi reconstruction, I’m so happy with the results, yes I’m reminded everyday what I went through because they do feel foreign but that’s easy to live with. I’ve just written a song and would love you to have a listen. Good luck with your journey and stay positive.
God Bless Jen Ceee XO
Grateful Heart is performed by Danni, a Perth Songwriter
After having the mastectomy they found cancer in
one of my lymph nodes so a week later I was back in hospital having my lymph nodes out, that was an emotional set back but it also told me I had made the right decision.
I was recommended my surgeon as the best, from one great surgeon to another. Christobell Saunders and Mark Lee. Extremely happy with both!! One of the hardest decisions you have to make is who to go to but I was given
the recommendation by a friend who was a theatre nurse at the hospital.
I chose to keep it a really private journey just so I could be left alone to heal. I had chemo for about five months and took a year off work. I went back to my job six weeks after I had my last operation as I’m a swimming teacher and had to be able to swim 300mtrs before I was allowed back teaching so that was a bit of a push. I had floats on the top and bottom depending on what stroke I was doing, haha.
More than anything and no matter how your feeling get up and go for a walk, go a little further each time. Now days I go to a boot camp three times a week and swim twice, so things do get back to normal and I love life, not just a little!!
I had the latissimus dorsi reconstruction, I’m so happy with the results, yes I’m reminded everyday what I went through because they do feel foreign but that’s easy to live with. I’ve just written a song and would love you to have a listen. Good luck with your journey and stay positive.
God Bless Jen Ceee XO
Grateful Heart is performed by Danni, a Perth Songwriter
Grateful Heart
I can't do this on my own.
I've been through the rocky road of emotions.
I'm born in an age where science can save a life.
Oh....
Cause it was never gonna happen to me.
Embrace it don't fight it
Lets tell our story lets come together
scientists, surgeons, nurses, radiology
lets come together, take a ride with me. Ride with me.
No words can say enough
with a grateful heart I've learnt to trust beyond all boundaries
now my soul feels so alive
you stood by my side
Cause it was never gonna happen to me.
Embrace it don't fight it
Lets tell our story lets come together
scientists, surgeons, nurses, radiology
lets come together, take a ride with me. Ride with me.
You stood so close
when I needed you most yeah
You stood close
you never let me go
Cause it was never gonna happen to me.
Embrace it don't fight it
Lets tell our story lets come together
scientists, surgeons, nurses, radiology
lets come together, take a ride with me. Ride with me.
----------------------------
All words & music by D.S & J.C.
Copyrights 2015 APRA All rights reserved.
Published on May 27, 2015
This song was written by a survivor of Cancer with a Perth Songwriter.
Unplugged in her living room.