Written by: Jacqui Volpi - Surgeon Professor Mokbel
03rd December 2007 |
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My initial thought while Professor Mokbel calmly broke the news was "ohh no, what about my 2 year old daughter, if I die who will step into my shoes". Thankfully I have a fabulous husband Mario, so I knew Sofia would be loved and cherished but could not bear the thought of not being there to see her growing up, having boyfriends and eventually get married. I kept thinking "she needs her Mummy, who will take her to school, cook tea for her little friends, take her to ballet, swimming, help with her homework, and dance to "girls aloud" with her. I just could not possibly leave all the responsibility to Mario and I also could not leave my gorgeous husband behind either. All of these thoughts completely inspired me to beat this awful disease. I was going nowhere!! With the help and positivity of Mario who was my "rock" throughout this ordeal, we managed to ride the storm. At the time of my diagnosis I was 38 years old, had never smoked, I lead a healthy lifestyle and like many other cancer sufferers thought "Why me?" ...then when the news sank in I then began to think "Why not me?"Days after the diagnosis I underwent a lumpectomy performed by Professor Mokbel who was/is an amazing man. I felt very relaxed and confident being "under his wing". He is better known in our house as God! This was followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. All in all, the treatment lasted 5 months. I gave up work completely during this time to ensure I would make a full recovery. I just kept telling myself "you WILL get better, you have to" Chemotherapy was fortnightly. I had a fantastic team of nurses caring for me at Parkside hospital. My Oncologist, Mr Trevor Powles was fabulous. I remained positive and managed to laugh with him and the nurses when my hair began to fall out. After all, I knew it would happen so it came as no real shock. Chemo was not as bad as I had imagined. It of course is not pleasant and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy but I was surprised that I was not hanging over the loo being sick just like I had imagined. The anti-sick drugs are so advanced nowadays. Unlike many years ago when I remember my Grandmother being very ill with chemo. I guess it also depends on the strength of the drugs being administered. I organised a wig which did the trick until such times as my hair was at a length that I felt comfortable with then I had my hairdressers cut it like "Kylie's". I just kept telling myself "You will get better, you have to"I thought ok, what's good for Kylie is good for me and I thought she looked amazing. She too, was my inspiration. My daughter and I now dance around our sitting room to Kylie's "Showgirl" CD which is a great tonic and magical feel good music. My hair is growing back and I feel great. My family and friends were absolutely amazing throughout this traumatic time, my phone did not stop ringing with oudles of love and support which was indescribable. This alone encourages an amazing form of strength. It was 14 months since my diagnosis and I feel very different about life. I do not get upset by silly little things anymore. I focus on the important things in life. One thing I will say to anyone going through this....."STAY POSITIVE AND DO NOT GIVE UP".
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005. As you can only imagine this came as a "great" shock. At the time of my diagnosis I was 38 years old, had never smoked, lead a healthy lifestyle and like any other cancer sufferers thought "WHY ME".....then when the news sank in I then began to think "WHY NOT ME".