Eugowra’s Biggest Morning Tea success

Hosts this year were Rob and Shelley Norrie of South Bandon who had spent considerable time in their country garden to have their pink Seduction Roses all flowering beautifully.

With a perfect Autumn day those attending enjoyed all the tasty food and beautiful coffee provided by the professional coffee cart from Cowra, sponsored by Janet Moxey and Shelley Norrie.

Guest speaker this year was former Eugowra resident Monica Hay who gave a brilliant talk on her journey with her cancer. An excerpt follows.

Coordinator for the Eugowra event, Judy Smith, thanked Monica for her amazing talk and also Rob and Shelley for providing the beautiful venue.

Shelley thanked Rob for all his help preparing for the day and thanked the ladies who worked in her kitchen for the day.

Earlier in the day workers had prepared, packed and delivered more than 150 morning teas to businesses and schools.

A huge 'thank you' to all those workers, all the people who baked, donated food, prizes for the raffles, the ticket sellers and who helped in any way, or who attended and supported the day, thank you.

We are still waiting on a couple of promised donations, at this stage we have just over $3,400. What a great result. 

The 2019 event will be at the home of Sharon Radwick.

Sunday 10 May 2015, it was Mother’s Day… Whilst talking with my Mum on the phone, I felt a very small lump close to my sternum. I had it checked out by my Doctor on Monday, mammogram, ultrasound and triple biopsy on Wednesday and by Friday I was diagnosed with a Grade 3 DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) of the left breast. I was a single Mum of a 6yr old, fulltime teacher with a mortgage and only 38 years of age… I can’t have cancer!

Very quickly, my life revolved around dates and appointments…

Within the month following diagnosis, I had two surgeries (A lumpectomy and a re-excision) both of which were unsuccessful in obtaining clear margins. The long term plan was to now have 6 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a mastectomy and then a course of radiation. I made the choice to have a bilateral mastectomy (if you going to take one, you may as well take two).

Chemotherapy of course was not pleasant and required an overnight stay in hospital each time due to being febrile neutropenic (low count of white blood cells and high risk of infection). Each visit was certainly made better by the company of family and friends who sat in as my chemo buddies.

My already weak immune system, struggled during the winter. I was very sick with pneumonia and a partially collapsed lung. After a period of time of isolation in hospital, my body recovered and I was back on track with my treatment plan.

Flowers, gifts, cards, baking, well wishes, visitors… so beautiful, so kind and so incredibly overwhelming. Many of these kind gestures from those I hardly knew, or parents of students I had taught years ago. It was at this time that I learnt who my real friends were. Some whom I considered close, slowly retreated. And others could not do enough.

From the very beginning, as young as my daughter Isla was, I was always honest with her (age appropriate of course) about my illness. I did not want it to be something ‘scary’ or ‘unknown’…Before I started chemo, I took her to the hospital and showed her the place where Mum would have her ‘magic medicine’ each Monday. I continually reassured her that Mum had the best doctors and that they were always looking after me. So young yet, so resilient.

Leading up to my mastectomy, I (feeling awkward) sat Isla down one night to explain to her what that surgery involved… She said to me “Do you mean they are going to cut your boobs off?” I said “Um, yes. That is right” Her reply, “Don’t worry Mum, we will go to Fiji and get you some coconuts!” And so, in August 2016, Isla and I went to Fiji and got Mum some coconuts!

I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through this chapter without the endless love and support of my siblings and parents. Mum and Dad soon packed their bags and temporarily moved to Yass, living with Isla and I for the months of treatment and surgeries that followed.

As the cancer patient, I was actually fine. I was sick but, I had a team, we had a plan and I just had to beat this damn thing. The impact on my family in particular Mum, was far greater than I ever realised.

Mum soon became the primary carer of her 6yr old granddaughter, her 38yr old daughter who had cancer as well as dear Dad who was in the early stages of ill health himself.

Just because you have cancer does not necessarily mean you are exempt from mortgage repayments, electricity bills and the general cost of living. Add to that the cost of appointments, medication, anaesthetists etc… As a single parent, I did not have the financial support or second income some might have from a partner.

Fortunately, a few things were on my side financially. I had mortgage insurance, income protection and long service leave.

This brings me to the last chapter of my story and the beginning of my new journey…

Wednesday 2 December 2015, I finally heard the words “Cancer Free” Yippee! Bring on the new year. Despite starting 2016 with 5 weeks of radiation (recommended due to my young age and grade of cancer) … it was time to live again. Nothing like a bout of cancer to put a whole new perspective on life.

I was now a member of Breast Cancer Network Australia and various other organisations. One day I was reading the BCNA newsletter and came across the opportunity to trek through the heart of Tuscany, a fundraising adventure supporting the vital work of the agency.

Not only a chance to fulfil my life-long dream of visiting Tuscany but, more importantly my time to give back to an amazing organisation supporting Australians affected by breast cancer.

I was turning 40 this year and I had just beat cancer… I think I can justify this trip. I quickly signed up and began my fundraising pledge. With the help of family and friends, I soon reached my $4000 goal hosting movie nights, a Bunnings BBQ, raffles, morning teas etc.

On the 24 April 2017, I left for Italy, joining 19 other women from across Australia on what was to be the trip of a lifetime. 100kms walked and $100, 000 raised between just 20 women. Beautiful new friends and fulfilling my dream of visiting Tuscany, none of which probably would have happened if I didn’t have cancer.

I am ever so grateful for a second chance at life. Make the most of everyday and cherish your loved ones always!