Bonsie fights breast cancer!

So I’m sitting here writing words that I always thought would never have to leave my mouth. On 10 June 2022, my doctor delivered the news that I don’t think even she was prepared to give a health, fit, 29-year-old…. You have breast cancer, No family history, no other warning signs, just a little hard lump found by me earlier this year.

I can undoubtedly say it was pretty much the worst I’ve ever felt. Since that time, I have been through a surgery, recovered, and am now 2/16 rounds into chemo, however fortunately only have two more really toxic ones to go, with 12 on a more maintenance-based schedule; however still chemo nonetheless.

On Friday 30 September, a bunch of legends got together and shaved their heads to support me in the most dramatic part of this process, losing the beloved blonde locks. In your darkest times, you will realise who really matters, and all I can say is I’m so thankful to have all these people in my life.

So fundraising why…. Research and Family. Cancer sucks! We still don’t know enough, and the ‘cure’ is to kill all the good cells in your body and hope for the best it gets all the badies too.

Well, in my book that isn’t really good enough, and I’ve had first-hand experience that multiple scans and tests can’t tell you how far your cancer has spread, and I am unfortunately facing another risky surgery at the end of chemotherapy to fix me, with side effects that can seriously compromise an active lifestyle and career.

What surgery and why: lymph node axillary clearance…the removal of all your lymph nodes from your armpit up to your collar bone. Those little bad boys are where cancer would first spread from the breast to other parts of the body, and the removal is to aid in reducing the risk of spread ever happening. Why it sucks: there is a 30 - 50% chance of developing lymphedema (swelling and numbness of the arm/area) So what does this mean, being left-handed with the removal happening on my left side, I could have reduced use and functionality of my left arm, which in my line of work is kind of important, and in everyday life.

You have between 10 – 40 lymph nodes in this area, and the only way to tell if they have cancer cells in to remove them. I have had three different tests come back ‘negative’ saying it is not present; however, in my first surgery back in July, I had two removed, and they both had positive cells, so they want to go back in and take them all.

I hope to put some funds towards furthering Lymph node research and advanced testing schemes.

The second part of it, my family. What an absolute unit the Bonner Family is. I called, next minute, they were here. My mum, dad and sister have dealt with ridiculously priced Qantas flights during ‘parliamentary sitting weeks’ to be by my side.

So I ask you, like the legends that participated in the chop with me, to throw a few dollars towards the ever needed cancer research and family support fund. I hope this time next year to be fighting fit and gearing up to participate in the ride to conquer cancer.

Much love,

Kate xx