I am really honoured to share Julia’s uplifting and encouraging story with you. Julia is an amazing woman of truly remarkable strength who has triumphed over cancer. Julia is passionate about supporting organisations who do so much for others facing the same battle with cancer. Be inspired, be encouraged as you read what Julia shares:
Tell us about the Red Sky Ride that you’ve participated in:
So as you know, myself and 22 other like-minded (some say crazy) people, embark on a 1,000km bike ride around the South West of WA. We train together each weekend starting in September and the ride takes place in February. It’s six months of hard training but I love it and we all become a close knit team.
What made you decide to do the Red Sky Ride:
Back in August 2008 I noticed that something didn’t feel quite right in my right breast, so I went to my GP for a check-up. From that initial consultation it became a whirl-wind of appointments: firstly a mammogram, then an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy and then finally a core biopsy of the breast.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The results came back that I had multiple carcinomas and I was given the news that because of the number of lumps I would have to have a mastectomy. After this news sunk in I decided that “just in case” I would prefer to have a bilateral mastectomy as I didn’t want to find cancer in my left breast at a later stage.
Within a matter of weeks I underwent a number of other tests to confirm that the cancer was contained to the breast before undergoing surgery. I ended up only taking 5 weeks off work, and was told that the operation had been a success and that it was a “no brainer.” I would not need chemo or radiation.
However, one year later at my annual check-up it was found that there was a lump where the core biopsy had been taken (which I had put down to scar tissue), but it was in fact a Grade 3 cancer that had seeded in the tract site.
One of those million to one occurrences, but it happened to me. I was immediately booked in to get the lump removed and within a fortnight from the time of my operation I commenced 6 months of chemotherapy (4 cycles of AC and 3 cycles of CMEC for those of you who know what this all means) and 6 weeks of radiation therapy.
I remember now that I have never found anything so confronting in my life as walking into the Ivy Suite at St John of God hospital and seeing the row of armchairs, with people of all ages and walks of life hooked up to IV drips getting their treatment.I’ll quickly digress here and tell you how my children, aged 6 and 9 at the time, reacted to me telling them that I had cancer. My 6 year old daughter was really concerned that I would lose all my hair, whilst my 9 year old son was really interested in the concept of “chemo brain”, asking me if I gave him his weekly pocket money was there a chance that I would forget I had already paid him and he might get paid it again!!
Anyway, it was at one of my first visits to St John of God Hospital that I was introduced to the SolarisCare centre. This became a haven when I came in for my chemo treatments or the weekly pic-line cleaning, not only to just sit down and get a cup of tea or read some of the literature available, but also to take advantage of many of the wonderful “free” treatments on offer. And I certainly enjoyed trying out all of those treatments from the more conventional massage, acupuncture and reflexology to Reiki and Bowen therapy. The therapists were all wonderful people who put me at ease and made me feel better during this trying time in my life.
I think that organisations like Solariscare are extremely valuable, and I think it is fantastic that this is a WA initiative that other States are considering. Do you know that since my chemo treatment Solariscare is now allowed to offer their therapies in the chemo room… imagine that, whilst undergoing chemo you could have someone giving you a reflexology massage or music therapy! I really think that other States and countries should adopt this “alternative therapy” view – as you need to deal with the emotional side of cancer, not just the medical side.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I was very fortunate that my employers, the RAC, were very supportive during my treatment and held my job for me until I considered I was well enough to return to work, so when my treatment finished I moved across to NSW with my 2 children for 6 months to recuperate with my parents.
As my parents lived in a small country town in Northern NSW I decided that in order to make friends and meet people I needed to get involved in some kind of activity. I found out that the local bike shop ran social group rides on the weekend. I have always enjoyed cycling. In fact, I believe it was my good fitness level that held me in good stead whilst going through my treatment. Whilst I was initially knocked around a bit by the treatment, I didn’t suffer as much as I expected.
So off I went to the bike shop one Saturday morning and got hooked immediately. Not only was it a great way of meeting people, but it was good for my body and soul to get physically active again; and like all good bike riders enjoy that well-earned cup of coffee and a chat after a ride.
I’ll quickly digress here and tell you how my children, aged 6 and 9 at the time, reacted to me telling them that I had cancer. My 6 year old daughter was really concerned that I would lose all my hair, whilst my 9 year old son was really interested in the concept of “chemo brain”, asking me if I gave him his weekly pocket money was there a chance that I would forget I had already paid him and he might get paid it again!!
Anyway, it was at one of my first visits to St John of God Hospital that I was introduced to the SolarisCare centre. This became a haven when I came in for my chemo treatments or the weekly pic-line cleaning, not only to just sit down and get a cup of tea or read some of the literature available, but also to take advantage of many of the wonderful “free” treatments on offer. And I certainly enjoyed trying out all of those treatments from the more conventional massage, acupuncture and reflexology to Reiki and Bowen therapy. The therapists were all wonderful people who put me at ease and made me feel better during this trying time in my life.
I think that organisations like Solariscare are extremely valuable, and I think it is fantastic that this is a WA initiative that other States are considering. Do you know that since my chemo treatment Solariscare is now allowed to offer their therapies in the chemo room… imagine that, whilst undergoing chemo you could have someone giving you a reflexology massage or music therapy! I really think that other States and countries should adopt this “alternative therapy” view – as you need to deal with the emotional side of cancer, not just the medical side.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I was very fortunate that my employers, the RAC, were very supportive during my treatment and held my job for me until I considered I was well enough to return to work, so when my treatment finished I moved across to NSW with my 2 children for 6 months to recuperate with my parents.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]As my parents lived in a small country town in Northern NSW I decided that in order to make friends and meet people I needed to get involved in some kind of activity. I found out that the local bike shop ran social group rides on the weekend. I have always enjoyed cycling. In fact, I believe it was my good fitness level that held me in good stead whilst going through my treatment. Whilst I was initially knocked around a bit by the treatment, I didn’t suffer as much as I expected.
So off I went to the bike shop one Saturday morning and got hooked immediately. Not only was it a great way of meeting people, but it was good for my body and soul to get physically active again; and like all good bike riders enjoy that well-earned cup of coffee and a chat after a ride.
When I returned to Perth I immediately joined a lovely group of cyclists at Bikeforce Joondalup and have ridden with them regularly ever since, making some wonderful friends, keeping fit and entering into a number of events around Perth and WA with them.
What does the future hold?
It made me feel very proud and honoured to be approached by Solariscare to become their Ride Ambassador for the Red Sky Ride held in February 2014.
I participated in the Red Sky Ride again this year.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Having been through my cancer journey I think this is a great opportunity for me to give back to those that helped me along the way. Solariscare is a wonderful organisation and I would like to urge you all to support the good work they do.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I have now been in remission for nearly 5 years and cycle around 4 times a week, run a couple of times a week and walk whenever possible. I am probably fitter now than I was when I was in my 20’s and 30’s!!
What have you learnt about yourself through your journey?
That I am stronger than I thought I was – and that positive thinking is a powerful thing.
What wisdom would you share with others who may be facing health challenges?
Ask lots of questions, get sound advice from both health professionals and others who may have also gone through a similar challenge, get a second opinion and then look at your options.
How do you think each of us can live the fullest life possible?
Wow, that’s a tough one, but life is a gift so, I would say by:
- being present in the now;
- grabbing opportunities when you are presented with them, even if they are outside of your comfort zone;
- valuing and spending time with family & friends; and
- not taking yourself too seriously!!
A Bit of Fun
People who inspire you:
People who have gone out of their comfort zone and achieved amazing things, sometimes despite the circumstances that they were dealt with in life, for example Nick Vujicic, born with no arms or legs but such a positive, inspirational person http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/about-nick-his-story
Happiest place:
Anywhere with my kids – I have especially happy memories of a trip the 3 of us took to Queenstown skiing. To this day we still relive the good times on that holiday. And of course… always on the bike, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists and the good chin wag and coffee afterwards!! 
Biggest passion in life:
Besides being mum to Jack and Katie, I would say cycling and eating (along with a decent red wine!), especially in the company of good friends!! The cycling community is amazing. I formed excellent friendships in Perth through cycling with Bikeforce Joondalup, then when I moved to NSW last year and tried out the local shop ride in Ballina with Transition Cycles, I was welcomed into their group and have made great friends already.
Best bit of advice you have ever received:
Laugh loud, laugh often.
I must admit my kids and I have developed our own “funny” sense of humour and in-jokes, which I think keeps me young
Most inspiring book you’ve read:
I do enjoy an inspiration read, like Janine Shepherd’s “Never tell me Never.” It’s a true story about a cyclist who was hit by a truck on a training exercise and her remarkable recovery. Whilst I was going through chemo and radiation I read Lance Armstrong’s books (sometimes in the wee small hours of the morning when I couldn’t sleep) and got inspiration from his positive outlook towards his cancer journey.
Best light-bulb moment:
Taking up cycling after my chemo and radiation!! I look back now at the $50 bike that I bought off a friend and how I have gradually progressed with my cycling over the years (not to mention the bike upgrades since!).
The Red Sky Ride is a fine example of a group of riders from all walks of life, joined together by a common cause – most riders have had a family member affected and/or lost to cancer. They set themselves an amazing personal challenge, then support each other throughout the training and the ride itself, whilst raising a huge amount of money for a really worthwhile organisation. The riders go on to form an alumni that binds them together in the future, and I am looking forward to joining them all again in 2017 for the 10th Year Anniversary Ride!!
Anything is possible… what’s your wish?
A cancer-free world!!
Philosophy you live by:
Treat others as you would like to be treated….
Quote you live by:
A quote that always sticks in my mind is by the tennis player, Pat Cash,
“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do”…
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