Give today, so no one faces cancer alone.
On Daffodil Day, Brigetta Anselmi shares her journey, aiming to inspire and emphasize the invaluable Cancer Society's support.
With her partner Alan and their children Amelia, William, Angus, Emily, and Christopher standing beside her, she aspires to be a beacon of hope for those fighting their own cancer battles.
"Following a friend's breast cancer diagnosis, a profound intuition stirred within me. When she shared her news, I couldn't shake the feeling that there might be something amiss within me. This inner sense lingered for weeks, urging me to act.
Intuition spoke louder than the doctor's reassurance. I insisted on a mammogram/ultrasound after a medical centre visit. A specialist's prompt arrival revealed the shocking truth: a 2.5 cm lump, a 9 cm mass, and lymph node involvement – all on the same day. A previous mammogram provided a vital comparison, despite showing nothing untoward a year before.
Overwhelmed, I struggled to comprehend the diagnosis. It felt like the specialists were speaking to someone else, not me. Further tests revealed cancer cells in my other breast, showing the alarming pace of cell growth. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis the next day, leading to a double mastectomy within weeks. My life changed instantly, and it took several years to accept my diagnosis truly.
After the operation, reality set in with a flood of appointments and questions. Chemotherapy, radiation, and Herceptin followed. Moving to Dunedin brought me closer to my children attending boarding school then. The treatments proved challenging, with increasing reactions.
I didn't know many people in Dunedin then and reached out to the Cancer Society when it got tough. I remember the day I got a visit and a Care Package from the Cancer Society. I was struggling with treatment and going through a separation simultaneously made everything more overwhelming.
The Cancer Society's home visits, phone calls, and counselling played a vital role in lifting my spirits. It was a relief to talk to them, knowing they empathized with my struggles without needing explanations.
Though my cancer journey began a few years ago, it continues evolving. My specialists advised me to embrace life, trusting my intuition to guide me when needed. The Cancer Society provided unwavering support during the darkest moments when everything seemed shattered. Looking back, I see the transformation – I am now stronger after taking the time to rebuild myself.
My experience of burnout and an earth-shattering breast cancer diagnosis has led me to search for a kinder, healthier attitude towards myself. It has been a gradual process, but it has a better work-life balance, enabling me to be happier and a more effective mother, partner, friend, and businesswoman."
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