Hi my name is Carolyn McPherson. I am 42 and live in Nelson with my loving and supportive husband Scott. We have two children Levi [13] and Josh [9].
I discovered a pea size lump in my right breast in Oct 2007. I waited two weeks to see if it was just hormone related. The lump didn’t change so I went to my GP to see what she thought. She then sent me in for a mammogram. Everything happened very quickly, I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy in a period of a few days. The biopsy showed that there were cancer cells present.
I was told by my surgeon that I needed to have a lumpectomy and removal of some Lymph nodes, followed by radiotherapy, a short course of herceptin and tamoxifen. I wasn’t nervous at all about the operation I just wanted to get rid of the tumour. When the result came back from the operation it was worse than what they thought. I was told that my cancer was aggressive and that it had got into my Lymph nodes.  I would now need 6 months of chemotherapy followed by 20 treatments of radiotherapy, then 12 months of herceptin.
It quickly became apparent how serious this was. I came out of the surgeon’s office feeling numb… When I was told I needed chemo, my first reaction was oh no I’m going to lose my hair, but the funny thing is that it hasn’t bothered me. The chemo was the hardest part. I would just be feeling good and then it was time for my next treatment. I had bad heartburn a horrible taste in my mouth, no sleep, achy muscles, hot flushes etc.  My hair falling out was the easy part.
I have had huge help and support from my husband, my boys, family, friends, the community and my work colleagues. The donations and support we have been getting to help towards my treatment have overwhelming. Scott and I find it very hard receiving money from people.  It’s much easier to give than it is to take. People have been amazing. I have received cheques from people in the community that I don’t know. They have just heard that I needed to raise money for my treatment and have given.  Many people have made meals, done baking, helped out with house and garden chores and looked after my boys for me.
I have found it good being able to talk to Mandy Carter - a local lady who has also gone through treatment and has been able to share her experiences with me.
Hearing those words that I had breast cancer was devastating, but all the way through my journey I have been really positive. I can honestly say it has been much harder on my family and friends than me. I have been focused on getting through the treatment and coming out the other end to say “I’m a breast cancer survivor”.  I do appreciate life more and have realised that health is worth more than wealth. Lots of good things have happened to me and I have met some amazing, supportive people.
I’m having my herceptin treatment now have just had my 4th one and I’m feeling good. No side effects so far. I’m looking forward to next September when the treatment will be finished and having a holiday with my family somewhere in the sun.