Kerrie's story

After a 15 year history of breast cysts, in 1998 one of those “cysts” turned out to be lobular carcinoma which had spread to 4 lymph nodes. I had a lumpectomy, radio and chemo (butcher, baker and nausea maker!). Having had 5 unsuccessful IVF attempts, facing final infertility was as hard as facing my own mortality. AC sapped my energy and my hair. But as life is short anyway, I soon figured out that if my life was to be even shorter, then all the more reason to get on with it and not waste a second. I continued to work full time, enter gliding competitions between rounds of chemo, go kayaking and cycling to keep fit and generally maintain a balance between vigilance and paranoia.

As I approached 10 years and the illusion of safety … in 2007 a mammogram showed “calcification” and a biopsy showed a cocktail of DCIS, LCIS and more lobular carcinoma. As it was the same side, previous radiotherapy dictated that this time it had to come off. Preferring one-stop shopping, I opted for an immediate reconstruction, a pedicle TRAM flap, which takes a few weeks in recovery – like wearing a pair of jeans about 3 sizes too tight! Then more chemo – fortunately gemzar is way less harsh than AC – and riding a motorbike to chemo meant I got a park within 2k of the hospital! Treatment was easy - the problem was fear raising its ugly head again – if it came back once will it come back again? The hardest thing for me to deal with is not knowing if it’s spread until it’s too late … so I need to keep reminding myself of the “life is short” bit!

At the same time I was (conveniently) made redundant after 20 years at Qantas IT, so chose to retire to have more time to “get on with it”. I spend as much time as possible gliding, kayaking, cycling, motorcycling and travelling - and try to live by the philosophy: “Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in hand, totally worn out, shouting, 'holy shit.....what a ride!!'”

Having ridden motor bikes since age 19 (with an 18 year break), I was excited to take part in the Amazon Heart ride for BC survivors from LA to San Francisco in october 2009. Now I'm also excited to be taking part in the Altitude and Attitude ride in India this year.

Julenes Story

Julene is a breast cancer survivor and Harley rider. Here’s how she tells her story.
‘It was 1999 when I had a mammogram that indicated small cysts in both breasts; nothing to worry about, just a heads up to have regular mammograms. I’m glad I did!
In August 2007, 4 years after losing my mother to cancer, I had a mammogram as part of my regular program and was diagnosed with breast cancer. A month later, following a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, I was greatly relieved to learn that I would only need a course of radiotherapy and hormone therapy. I know I am one of the lucky ones.
My diagnosis was a wake up call to get on with life, to make every day a good one. I am so excited to be joining the Project Highways Altitude and Attitude ride in India. Any donation you make will help promote the awareness of cancer in India, and assist people to access the medical treatment and support they will need.’