Donna Handley Sydney, New South Wales Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2006 Changing Gears US 2004, 2005 and Australia 2005 Rider

Growing up with my girlfriends, I was first to turn 21. I was first to get engaged. I was first to get married. I was first to have babies. And yes, first to be diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

At the young age of 34, my sons were 5 & 9, life was hectic running a Catering business and a young family. It was Oct 2000 and I felt a lump in my left Breast with the shape I best describe as like a panadol capsule. Not knowing anything about Breast Cancer, a friend told me not to worry because Breast Cancer had to be shaped like a pea. Well mine definitely wasn’t a pea shape. So I ignored it.

8 months later, in May 2001 on my 35 th Birthday my lump had grown to grape size so I thought I better get it checked out. This now suspicious lump was the start of my roller coaster ride of emotions, my merry go-round of doctors, mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, surgeons, and to hear those words your not expecting to hear at 35years old, still ring in my ears. ‘I’m sorry but its Grade 3, aggressive Breast Cancer’. WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surgery was a Lumpectomy and full Lymph node removal. Thankfully it had not spread into the nodes. Chemotherapy for 6 months followed by 7 weeks of Radiotherapy. The caring for Lymphedema snuck in there too. Against my Oncologist wishes I choose not to take Tamoxifin, to young for menopause, I choose to eat a healthy diet & exercise.

Although I had heaps of love and support from my family, I was in a very dark and scary place at that time, I lost control of my life, had overwhelming feelings of being ripped off at having my innocence stolen from me, and I was suffering terrible anxiety. It was in a very lonely place for me. I did all what I could do to save myself from the despair I was feeling. I attended support groups, went to Seminars, went to yoga and practiced meditation daily. Not being much of a reader up till then, I too, read all the Harry Potter books.

It was at this point I learnt a lot about myself, and I didn’t like who I was and I definitely wasn’t allowing myself to have any fun and I needed to make some changes in my life. I had to lighten up, take a step back, for my sake & my husband & my kids. I set myself some goals. Firstly to get well, physically & emotionally. Then learn to ride a motorbike, make it to 40, and then ride along side my husband around New Zealand for my 40 th Birthday.

Well, those goals where the start of the amazing journey I’ve been on.

Who would have thought where riding a motorbike & being a Breast Cancer survivor could take you. I’ve been on 3 motorcycle adventures with Amazon Heart now. As well as being chosen for the first adventure for Amazon Heart, The US-Californian Coastline 2004, I was accepted for the UK ride- London to Scotland 2005, and The Aussie ride- Sydney to Brisbane, 2005. Ive met and made new friends with some wonderful people.

Life is now fantastic, the grass is greener and the sky bluer than ever before. I’m passionate about enjoying my life. I laugh a lot, relax and enjoy the challenges life throws at me. I love my husband Dave & my boys enormously and love the odd glass of chardy with my friends.

Today when I look at my scars I’m reminded of my battle with cancer. My battle I fought hard to survive, reminded of my will to live. Being proud of my achievement only seemed fitting I have the word “Survivor” tattooed on that Breast.

Breast Cancer has been a huge wake up call for me, I feel I’ve been given a second chance.

I think I am a stronger person now and a better person for the experience.

Cancer is a real positive in my life.

This year, July 2006 I will do the Montana Odyssey my 4 th event, which fits perfectly in my life right now. I’m looking forward to all the new challenges it brings. The Amazon Heart Thunder Down under Oct 2006 will be my 5th Amazon Heart adventure, I’m real proud of my achievements.

P.S. Dave I promise I will come home.

So out of my friends growing up, Ive just turned 40 and I am 5 years clear of cancer. I MADE IT!!!!!!!!, Ive had my turn.

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