Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
family though only two, including my mother, have died from it." women who have had breast cancer in our "There are 11 other "Where's Dad?" Dad came in and told me the good news that the cancer hadn't spread and I had no lymph nodes involved. I started crying and he asked why I was crying. I replied, "Happy tears." I don't remember this! I stayed five days in hospital and although it was more like a hotel and I had the most amazing care, I couldn't wait to get home and back into my own bed. After my operation, I didn't feel like I had had cancer. I recovered really quickly and as I wasn't sick at all, I mainly felt like I had had a boob job, so I just carried on with my life; going out with friends drinking, having fun, just what a normal 21 year old would do. It wasn't until my appointment where they would determine if I would need chemo that everything started to sink in again. Meeting with Oncologist: Emma took me to Hamilton to discuss chemo. I'd need three months chemotherapy and five years hormonal therapy. THAT SUCKED!!! I also discussed freezing some eggs but decided not to as it would have taken two weeks and I wanted to start chemo straight away. I really want to have kids but I felt at the time that I couldn't wait two weeks. I just wanted to get it all over and done with, so I took my chances. Chemotherapy: 22nd September 2011 I started chemotherapy. Adam and his mum Denise took me. My first chemo I had in Rotorua. I had to have it four times, three weeks apart. My chemo nurse Ange was absolutely lovely. It didn't hurt; it was just a strange feeling… it felt like you could feel it killing everything, good and bad, in you. After I got home I felt horrible. I had no energy, just exhausted the whole time no matter how much sleep I had. Dad ended up taking me to our GP as he was worried that I wouldn't go through with all the chemo like my mother had. The doctor gave me vitamins which were a great help. Working for Dad was a bonus to as I could take time off whenever I needed to. Within a week after chemo I was feeling just like normal again. While I was having chemo I never let it stop me from doing anything; I still went hunting, fishing and out with my friends. It was the support of my friends and family that got me through. Even though chemo was hard, it was nothing compared to dying. I felt like I needed to do everything possible, no matter how sick I felt. Hair loss wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. It did suck but I just kept telling myself, "It'll grow back!!" I wore wigs and then beanies at home. I didn't wear scarves out as I didn't want anyone to look at me specially or to feel different. Now: I have finished chemo and started Tamoxifen. I have had no side effects from this and feel normal. My hair is growing back fast, and I am nearly at the stage I can get hair extensions and my long hair back again. What got me through was loads of support and staying positive. My Dad, my brother Toby and sister Emma, all of the doctors, nurses and surgeons that did amazing work, Adam's parents Denise and Kevin, and most of all my partner Adam, who stuck with me through it all. I don't know what I would do without him, he's my rock. Having children is a big thing for me. I cannot wait to have a family of my own and because of all my treatments and the decisions I have made, I will be able to have a family. This has opened my eyes to how important life is, and how important it is to do self- exams no matter what age. You should always know your breasts so if anything does change, you have a better chance. I am living proof of the earlier, the better. I want to be involved in getting the message across to my age group, as many of my friends and a lot of people I have spoken to are unaware that you can get breast cancer at such a young age and therefore don't do breast self examinations. Doing them saved my life. Sophie Jenkins There is no right or wrong way to get through your treatment. Go with whatever makes you feel comfortable. Maara. Breast Cancer Fighter