“Cancer – you may say bad luck. Not necessarily.”
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These are the words of local woman Wendy Clift who has courageously battled the dreadful disease of breast cancer and believes in a society where this hideous disease seems to be making its presence more frequently in various forms, those who have been diagnosed may well be the lucky ones.
"Their card has been dealt and they are now able to seek treatment and hopefully get back on track towards leading a normal life,” Mrs Clift said.
“There are many of us out there – men, women and children, both young and old – who may just be walking time bombs as this disease discriminates against no body.”
Always a diligent screener of 30 years, it was in August 2007 that Mrs Clift went for a routine breast screen at the bus in Scone and then received the shock call back to the Hunter Breast Screening Clinic that was to change her life.
Sensing a certain level of concern among the nurses, it was little surprise when the strong mother was surrounded by specialists and undergoing further scans and tests in no time at all.
In just two days from that day, Mrs Clift underwent surgery to have a mastectomy and the removal of her lymph nodes of which 15 out of 21 turned out to be positive.
Although a relief when the doctor called by to advise the surgery was a success, Mrs Clift said that was really only the beginning of her journey.
After meeting her oncologist and healing, it was straight on to the intense treatment of chemotherapy every three weeks for eight treatments.
Mrs Clift said she was fortunate to be able to receive this treatment locally in Muswellbrook cutting down the strain of major travel.
“The staff were wonderful and very caring, and being such a small unit it was very personal and great to be so close to home.
“I was very blessed as my family were young adults and my husband’s business situation enabled him to be by my side,” she said.
A course of radiation therapy five days a week for six weeks at the Mater Hospital was the next step, followed by treatment via a new drug ‘Herceptin’ given by drip every three weeks for 12 months, again able to be received in Muswellbrook.
Now in remission, this tower of strength shared her story in a bid to help others understand what they’re going through and encourage women to get checked.
Mrs Clift said although she remained strong throughout, it wasn’t all beer and skittles as there were naturally a few tears after her first diagnosis (only in the shower) and then the question of ‘why me?’, but she said ‘why not?’, cancer doesn’t discriminate.
“Then of course you see your family and loved ones trying to get their heads around your situation which is hard, as where you have no choice but to deal with it, they feel useless just looking on.
“If only they realised what a difference they made by just being there, as without their support it would be a lonely journey,” she said.
“Then there are the physical changes such as hair loss and ‘chemo brain’ where “your attention span becomes a bit erratic and reading a novel becomes near impossible”."
Mrs Clift said one of the hardest things was learning to say no and slowing down her lifestyle to allow her body to rest when it needed to.
“Everyone is different and every experience is different, but keep positive, look for something good at every opportunity, it’s amazing what you find.
“Try to live a stress free life, it will no doubt drive those around you crazy being so casual, but I truly believe stress serves no purpose in maintaining good health,” she said.
“Keep up your regular scans, take note and listen to your or your children’s bodies and have any abnormalities checked out by your doctor, as having them nipped early in the bud can be a lifesaving experience.”
Mrs Clift likened her journey to a game of cards.
This is the deal.
Clubs – I’ve been clubbed – bad luck, not great.
Spades – May as well put them to use. Let’s get digging and see what we can find.
Hearts – They are all around, with all that love surrounding you things are looking good.
Diamonds – These are a really special find – I found one many years ago in my husband – looked after and kept safe, they are with you for the long haul. Hard as, to keep you strong. Bright as, to provide you with that extra sparkle whenever you need it. Valuable enough to keep safe and close by at all times. I have come across many diamonds on this journey, most will be unaware whom they are. They are special and to be treasured.