I am wife to John, mother to Bec, Kathryn, Ashlee and Matthew and Nanna to Flynn, Hugo, Levi and Nixon.
I was diagnosed in July 2023 after I discovered swollen glands in my neck and armpits. I was quickly diagnosed through a CT scan and biopsy of the nodes and referred to the Peter MacCallum Centre in Bendigo under the expert care of Stephen Walker and the wonderful team. My treatment has been shared between Bendigo and Melbourne.
I have recently received a stem cell transplant after having just completed 6 months of chemotherapy.
You know your body better than anyone. I felt that my glands were swollen 12 months before my diagnosis, but measurements were taken, and I was assured they were normal, so I convinced myself that I must be imagining it. So by the time I was diagnosed, the lymphoma was stage 4. Once diagnosed, I remained calm and positive, knowing that I was in the best hands.
I was incredibly blessed to have been able to continue my work as a marriage and funeral celebrant, work that I find very rewarding.
When I lost my hair during treatment, I purchased a wig to wear while working, but at other times, I wore a turban, a beanie or sometimes just sported my bald head.
I accessed information available through Lymphoma Australia, but I was careful to only research their website and stayed well away from Google, which can be outdated and inaccurate.
I also received a patient pack in the mail with some free resources and information.
I am eternally grateful for the care and treatment I have received and want to give something back, which is why I have joined STEPS For Lymphoma this March. I see this as a beneficial way of raising awareness, raising much-needed funds and also for regaining the strength I will have lost in my body through this treatment.
