The first time I lost my hair as a side effect of Chemotherapy it grew back bleached blonde, but this time it grew back jet black, how strange was that.
My charity work helped me not to dwell on my own problems, but I am only human and there were times when it did affect me emotionally and psychologically, but ultimately it made me stronger, and I got a tremendous amount of satisfaction from knowing I was helping others.
All my spare time was now taken up with raising as much money as we could with my Pink Ladies to help in the fight against cancer, and of course to raise awareness of the early detection program. I am living proof that early detection save lives and thanks to that mammogram back in February, I am here to tell my story.
Throughout my treatments I have made regular 6 monthly visits to see my Oncologist, having a CT scan and blood tests to check the cancer is not about to make an uninvited appearance. I must say the health service in Spain, and especially the hospital at Torrevieja, have been wonderful and continue to be so.
I take my medication, including morphine, every day to control the pain, I must say I feel very lucky to still be here and thank God, for every new day that I am here to continue my mission, I can let people know the importance of early detection and continue to raise funds to help in the fight against cancer.
Maria and the Pink Ladies efforts in the fight against cancer have been recognised by the people of Orihuela Costa, the group received a Pride of Spain award for fund raising. I myself received an award for “Bravery beyond the call of duty” and Zenia Boulevard acknowledged me as “Woman of the Year.”
Cancer has not been kind to me though, I lost my left breast, I´ve had surgery for cancer a further five times. I’ve also had two breast reconstructions, neither have been a success, had chemotherapy three times, lost my hair twice, had 30 sessions of radiotherapy which was horrendous.
I now have incurable lymphoedema in my left arm as a result of my last breast reconstruction and I¨ve spent so much time in hospital that I’ve lost count. Through all of this my husband Carl has been my rock and by my side throughout my long journey.
Unfortunately my journey wasn’t over yet !!
