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My name is Suzanna Ochse. November 2001 two weeks after my eldest daughter’s 21 st and 2 weeks after my youngest daughter’s brain surgery. I went to the doctor due to a constant stabling pain in my left breast I was sent for tests and assured that it would probably be something harmless as cancer is not painful. Wrong. Tests soon proved the opposite and surgery was called for. I was sent for a lumpectomy and half way through the procedure the doctor rang my husband and informed him that it was much worse than he thought and I would have to come out of the operation and go back the next day for a full mastectomy. This was because my husband was not authorized to make a decision on my behalf. Something which we have since addressed. After coming out from the lumpectomy and being told that I would have to go back in the next day I was speechless (very unusual for me! I just went into shock.) Something that I have discovered is that breast cancer (or any cancer or illness) has a ripple effect. Friends and family are deeply affected when someone near to them is given this kind of diagnosis. It seems that if you can get through it then they will be ok. It’s as though you are the test of whether there is life after this kind of diagnosis. I thank God that He has bought me through this ordeal and yes, lots of good things have come out of it. My husband had sent me to do the HART learner’s course in 1999. So bike riding was something that we both did regularly. We belong to a great club and enjoy going riding together. While I was on treatment I kept riding – I was determined not to let this disease change my life more than it already had. I ended up being on a drug trial so had 16 months of chemotherapy and the usual 6 weeks of radiation. People watch you – I am always being asked – “how is your health?” There is always a sigh of relief when I tell them that I am great! Just recently a girlfriend and I did a road trek to visit family and friends we traveled from: Melbourne/Bendigo/Mildura/Broken Hill/Adelaide/Robe/Port Fairy then home. Home for two days then off again riding at Easter. Doing the Barrier Highway was a challenge – but that is what life’s journey is all about - challenges! My husband saw the article about Amazon Heart in Two Wheels while we were away he said to me – “you should apply for this”. I waited a week and went online and applied ( I am sooo obedient!!) What a surprise when not 15 minutes later I was notified to say that someone had dropped out and there was a spot – would I like it! Friends say to me – “I can’t believe your life” There is always something happening. I am looking forward to the ride and meeting all the other women who are just like me – over comers and taking on life full speed ahead. Australian Donors: Click Here to Donate Now! U.S. Donors: Click Here to Donate Now!
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