Jo Fisher Cranbourne, VIC Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2006 Rider

So many people are envious that I am doing this ride………until I explain fully the entry requirement!!!

Diagnosed with breast cancer, March 2002, aged 42, has changed my life and mostly for the better.

Like so many things in my life, treatment had many “hiccups” and there was constant problem after problem. A mastectomy, 12 positive out of 13 lymph nodes, meant I was hit hard with chemo and radiotherapy.

I was told hair loss was inevitable, but smugly I thought my hair was not “moving.” Running my hand through my hair at my son’s football match devastated me. It was happening, I tried to strip it out, to get rid of the loose hair. I had already planned as soon as it started to fall out that my head would be shaved completely. I would have control!!!!! The next day my 10 y.o daughter was delighted to take charge of the scissors, declaring she wanted to be a hairdresser…..I cringed hoping that she wouldn’t take my ears off as well!!! I regret I didn’t realise how difficult and painful it would be for my 18 y.o son to do the actual shaving. My hair has grown back as I had always wished it would be, curly.

It was only mid last year that I finally went onto 6 monthly checkups, an indication of my surgeon’s concern for my situation.

Because of my experiences I was asked to be a guest speaker at a Breast Cancer conference , the organising oncology nurses said “ I’d endured the lot , yet still came out smiling with an attitude and ability to see a positive in most things which would inspire others. “ Humbled to think my story was of interest, I accepted the challenge and amazed myself that I didn’t pass out with nerves. Public speaking had never come easy to me before Breast Cancer. I shared my story and photos, we shed a few tears, but also laughed. I cherished every moment of that experience and hope that I inspired other women that day.

The once shy (almost pessimistic) me is far more confident, adventurous, slightly wacky, spontaneous and far happier since Breast Cancer. Now I am the first to volunteer for new experiences, like aerial photography from helicopters, a major achievement as I only went on my first plane flight in 2003. I am now a firm believer in “you won’t know if you don’t ask” …….if you get a yes it’s a bonus, if a “no” you politely say thanks anyway.

When diagnosed I was a recently separated mother of two, working casually at the local newspaper. My large family, friends and colleagues supported me: yet many times I felt so alone, not wanting to worry or burden anyone with my fears. I doubt whether I would be here today without my older sister, Lyn (diagnosed 6 years earlier), who lovingly took control of my life, her inspiration and guidance, for being my “rock”, I can never thank her enough for her love and care.

I was offered the chance to be part of a Breast Cancer support group. Reluctantly I went along, I didn’t want to be with other sick women!!!! I was coping fine……WRONG…… Although most of the women were older it became a safe place to deal with my fears, unresolved past issues emerged and I was able to put them in their rightful places. Support, laughter, tears and an unconditional bond emerged in this group. Most of these wonderful women spoke of their grandchildren, I was envious. Would I get to see grandchildren? But mostly I wanted to be here, alive for my children now. My wish has come true and I have a delightful nearly 2 y.o. granddaughter.

Through treatment I read lots and chose lifestyle and dietary changes, much to the horror of some family members..…namely a butcher by trade……..and hospital staff who were adamant I needed the dieticians advice !!!! Chemo often being blamed for some of my strange decisions and new sense of humour.

Ian Gawler, a renowned cancer survivor against all odds inspired me; my oncologist called him a freak, well I wanted to be one too!!!!

Before Breast Cancer I had been existing , not really living, everyday now is a bonus. I’ve had my wake up call. All the “one days” and “some days” are NOW.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ride a motor bike, yet early 2005, I bought a motorbike with no idea how to ride at all!!!! The first month I kept dropping it in my driveway, now thousands of kilometres later I love the freedom, the challenges and comraderie of motorcycling, especially my wonderful “Ulysses Family.” My wonderful friend, Phil, took me as a pillion to meet, watch and follow the Changing Gears 2005 ride. I saw the ride in action, I felt and saw the anticipation, excitement and hope of the awaiting women at various destinations. I saw the bond of the riders and now I shall experience this amazing ride. Two cousins also have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, making 4 in total in my family, yet there seems to be no known genetic link. Sadly Jenni lost her battle early May 2005 and Christine was diagnosed May 2005. Lyn, my sister is a 10 year survivor.

I look forward to raising awareness of Breast Cancer, to encourage other women to believe in yourself and to seize every opportunity. Diagnosis is frightening, but there can be positives to come from it.

Proudly I am a survivor and I now ride a motorbike.

Jenni, my cousin , I cherish my childhood memories of you, I dedicate my ride to you.

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