My Mumma has battled breast cancer for the past year and a half. And she kicked its ass. And if you knew her you would know that her attitude was EVERYTHING. No whinging, no moaning, no why me, she just got on with it and showed us strength and awesomeness. We all know the chemo and radiation therapy was most definitely a really tough haul but she would never admit it.
The first partial mastectomy she took extremely well, she was pissed at having to do another surgery, a full mastectomy, shortly after that and it was really tough on her but she got on with it and never wavered. I know there must have been times when she felt overwhelmed with worry, pain and angst but she refused to show us.
My Mumma has worked as a nurse for decades. She worked on a cancer ward for young children who mostly had neuroblastomas, and as tough as she is she had to move to an adult cardiology ward as seeing children die is beyond painful. As she got older she worked part-time as she felt the patients needed her as much as she needed them. Her philosophy was that it's hard to feel sorry for yourself when every day you deal with people in critical condition. They loved her and she made a real difference to their lives. She has been to weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries and funerals of patients. And when you hear her talk about her patients it is clear it brings her joy - this was a calling, not just a job.
She went to visit patients at the hospital when she was having good days in her recovery which made her feel better and worthwhile. She had a few friends crochet hats for her bald head but she wore her bald head as a badge of honour.
Yesterday, she got the all clear and we are all delighted and very, very relieved. She is grateful to have a kick-ass story to share with the patients when she visits them and will continue to show compassion, share a few laughs and encourage them to be strong and battle on.
I love you my amazingly awesome Mumma x
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