Megan "Meg"Southwell Glenwood, New South Wales Australia Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 2009 New Rider Click Here to Donate Now!

Any age is too young to be diagnosed with cancer. I heard the news that I had breast cancer on 8th March 2007 and had just turned 36. I clearly remember sitting in the Doctors surgery with my mum while the doctor told us the test results. I wasn’t shocked, angry, upset, scared…….. I immediately thought – ok, let’s get on and deal with this thing.

I am a high school teacher and decided to make my journey a public one. Some of the students had never known anyone with cancer and others knew enough to find the whole thing very scary. If I could just help one of these kids by the journey I undertook then something good would come out of it. It was very important they saw that I got on with things and that cancer wasn’t a death sentence. I was lucky enough to keep working throughout my treatment. I think this was very important for my state of mind. It helped me, as well as the students, see my cancer as a speed hump rather than a derailment. My positive attitude continued throughout the first lot of chemo (FEC), full course of radiation and second chemo round (Taxol). I remember asking the treatment team to “hit me hard” and give me another 50 years.

Despite being single, not once did I feel as though I was taking the journey on my own. Support was available at every turn. I think I had a direct line to the big man upstairs there were so many people praying for me. Regardless of what I was going through, I believe those that love me had the more difficult time. Mum and dad had trouble watching their youngest child and only daughter face cancer. Dad was a fix it man who couldn’t fix this but it was comforting to know he was there if I needed him. Mum helped by keeping busy and looking after me – my house has never been so clean!  As my journey progressed and they could see how well I was coping, it also helped them to deal with it.

My work colleagues and friends were always ready with a helping hand if I needed it. The students I teach were amazing – they are a wonderful bunch of young people. Molly, my little four legged angel, was also with me every step of the way. I can’t imagine going through all this without her.

Just like I remember the date of my diagnosis, I also remember the official date of my remission – 7th May 2008. I’m over the speed hump and if another one presents itself in the future, I will deal with it then. In the mean time, this strong, independent and intelligent young woman is getting on with life. I am very excited about taking part in the Amazon Heart Thunder ride and meeting an amazing bunch of women who have overcome their own hurdles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you are in a position to donate, no matter how big or small, thank you.

Take care
Meg

• Fly with the angels     Dance among the stars
  

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