Robyn's Recovery

03/03/2026

My dear Mum, Hazel has started her treatment. She is on immunotherapy injections and hormone blockers. Unfortunately due to her age and physical limitations her MDT (basically her Cancer Team) cannot operate on her. It's too risky.
Yesterday was her first injection. She was so scared after seeing both of her daughters go through treatment, and with me losing my hair and other side effects. She thought she would be the same. Thankfully immunotherapy is different to Chemo. She responded well even though she was so anxious they had to give her a top up of oxygen.
Today at home she was bright and chirpy and feeling well. Mum will have the injections in the Cancer ward at Rockhampton base hospital once every three weeks.
It was so hard for me going back in there with her again. Many of the staff are the same beautiful people who treated me, so I know Mum will be in good hands.
I just get a feeling of overwhelming relief that the worst is over for me and I have knowledge and understanding to be able to help Mum on her journey.

My journey continues in the background now. Today I had another biopsy while in a mammogram machine. Yep!! Not pleasant, but lots of local anaesthetic helped with the pain. I'll get results next week.
My headaches have calmed down now I've been taken off Anastrozole and put on Exemestane its a steroid so lets see what side effects accompany it.

I'm grateful to God who prepared me in advance for what is to come with Mum.

06/01/2026

This is my beautiful Mum cuddling her newest Great Grandson Clarke. The look on her face says it all. It's such a privilege to hold a new baby and wonder where life might take this little one. Only God knows what our future holds.

At the end of 2025 Mum was diagnosed with Lobular Breast Cancer, Triple Positive. The lump is large and will need surgery to be removed. Possibly single mastectomy. Once the surgeons remove it they will know what the next steps are. Mum is considered high risk for surgery and so at this stage alternatives are bring discussed by the specialists.
What can I say about this news. I'm devastated for her, knowing how brutal the treatment was for me and wondering how she would cope at her age and health status.
I'm putting my trust in God and praying for her constantly. It's bringing back all the trauma of my diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
As for me I'm still waiting on a biopsy of a new lump found in the same breast. I'm taking hormone blockers which give me headaches each morning and make me feel generally down. But I choose not to dwell on how I feel, I need recognise how far I've come and what God has done for me.
2026 will bring many challenges but I know God can do immeasurably more than I can even imagine or ask for.

05/12/2025

IYKYK...This machine and I are not friends, but it did save my life. Today is my first annual mammogram and ultrasound. It's uncomfortable and painful but it's something that has to be done. ✔️ I have a lot of scar tissue so it's not always easy to see what might be lurking behind it. As I wait for the results I know I am healed by the blood of Jesus.

27/10/2025

It's been a while between posts but I can't let this milestone go past without a comment. This week marks a year since my final Chemotherapy treatment. Ringing that bell was such an emotional day, something I pray I will never have to do again.
How am I going now a year later? (I'm glad you asked me) well...cancer stole a lot from me...physical health and fitness wise...I'm slowly gaining it back after feeling totally drained and exhausted...mental health wise...it's a continuing journey which I am battling through, cancer really shook my self confidence to a whole new low...but I'm growing and living with the 'snow globe effect'.
This trip has been just what the Dr ordered visiting old friends, meeting new ones and seeing new places and new experiences has truly helped in my recovery. I'm not sure the journey will ever fully be over but I do believe a new adventure is only just beginning. Cancer you will not steal my joy.
These photos are me over the past year so many highs and lows but I see a woman who will keep on going and keep on trusting God has a big plan for my life.

24/07/2025

Hello 👋 just a quick update for those who are still following my recovery.

06/06/2025

So a year ago today I had my first Chemo treatment. I remember being scared of how it would go. People love to tell you horror stories of someone they knew who had cancer so I was worried how my body would react to the Chemo they call 'The Red Devil'. I had no idea how I would go. I cried on the way there thinking 'why me?' The staff were so great they just made me feel safe and cared for and explained everything thoroughly. I remember getting teary when I heard someone ring the bell that they had finished treatment.
Well here I am a year later! I am changed as a person, I went through a very hard time but I got through it. I give full credit to my faith in God. Knowing I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me really did give me the courage to keep pushing to the end. My wonderful hubby and family have been beside me through it all. As a family we are stronger, there have been ups and downs but we all know we will be there for each other no matter what happens.
Right now we are packing up our belongings ready for the next chapter of our lives, I'm excited to see where God leads us.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and for coming on this journey with me. It's still not over, I'm not sure it ever will be.

Ok so a bonus of chemo is that I get to have an icy pole while having the treatment. Apparently the cold restricts the blood flow which helps to stop mouth ulcers from the Chemo. Silver lining.

28/05/2025

Hello I know it's been a while. I've been waiting on results.
Well...you may remember they had to do a second ultrasound as the results from the needle aspiration were inconclusive. So...They were happy that the cyst had popped and could no longer be seen. However there is a second cyst there that they want to look at.
Ugh! I'm so ready to move in with my life but feel frozen just waiting to hear they are not worried about anything. They said it's a thin walled cyst and I shouldnt be too concerned.
Meanwhile I had a blood test with my GP and she was very happy, everything came back within normal range. She prescribed a long holiday as a reset before going back to work next year.
So that's what I'm planning to do. We are currently packing up our lives and hitting the road sometime in late June. (God willing). Friends from around Australia beware! We might come knocking on your door looking for a coffee and a catch up. 🥰

07/04/2025

Exciting news my ultrasound has been booked for next week. So stay tuned for the next instalment...

03/04/2025

Update on the results of my biopsy.

24/03/2025

Latest update...

14/03/2025

Tandem Zip line to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary. This holiday is a victory celebration. Livin the dream, Livin life!

14/03/2025

12th March was a year since my first surgery and today 14 March is our wedding anniversary marking 33yrs.
We celebrated in Boracay, and I faced another fear. I went 'cliff' diving. Well more like jumping off a high plank but close enough for me. I was so scared, no safety rail or harness to break your fall. Just trusting yourself to jump correctly and land in the water safely. I had to talk myself into it but after getting through surgery, chemo and radiation last year I can face anything life throws at me. Knowing God has a mighty plan for my life and that I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me, I did it.
I love how the lifeguard swam out to make sure I was ok. I took so long to jump in. 😅😱 he must have been worried about me.
Of course my wonderful hubby was there to make sure I was ok too.