Love for Polly in Action

After years helping others as a Psychologist, breast cancer has taken over the life of my daughter, aged only 42. Polly was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in early September 2015. She was initially diagnosed with non invasive breast cancer (DCIS) in her left breast in August 2015, with the recommendation of a mastectomy and reconstruction. Since then she had surgery for the removal of 4 lymph notes above her left breast in early September as a precautionary measure prior to her scheduled double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Unfortunately the Lumpectomy showed cancer cells in one of her lymph nodes. This changed everything, and with invasive cancer was facing radiation therapy or chemotherapy. However her double mastectomy was necessary and since that surgery in early October, she faces a length of time off work during her reconstruction. Tissue samples from the double mastectomy were run twice and she received the positive news that she does not require chemo or radiation therapy. Whilst that has been received as an immense blessing, her journey is far from over. The emotional impact of this roller coaster ride has been significant to say the least. Her healing from this, both physical and mentally will take time. Given her profession she has been advised by her oncoplastic surgeon to take 12 months off work given the intrinsic stressful nature of being a psychologist.

In terms of her right sciatic nerve entrapment, she was part way through treatment for that before her cancer diagnosis. The cost of the treatment for this nerve condition is $370 per saline injection decision which is a painful nerve hydrodilation which helps to remove the adhesions that have tethered from her nerve and stick to her muscles. She also has to pay $90 per session with a physiotherapist. She was be forced to put this treatment on hold because of the expense and has now recommended this treatment during her breast reconstruction. This treatment resumed late October and unfortunately the specialist treating her nerve entrapment advised that due to the bed rest she had taken during her cancer diagnosis and treatment had resulted in a worsening of this condition. She will require another 3-6 months of injections to get her back on track towards a life free from muscular and nerve pain.

Given Polly works as a Psychologist helping others, as stated before she is unable to work at the moment due to her condition. She can receive a minimal Centrelink payment but this only pays the rent and bills and leaves nothing for medical bills and for living expenses and me editors for her children.

She continues to spend some of her time helping others recover from alcohol addiction and this gives her some sense of purpose and giving back to the community during her time off work. What you may not know about Polly is that she has survived complex trauma in life to help others with trauma, depression, anxiety and drug or alcohol problems find their way through to a better life also.

Her life adversity so far doesn't make her immune from more challenges in life such as cancer. It doesn't make her more deserving of help. But my only wish for her is to see her no longer suffer so much ongoing pain. She has spent her life trying to overcome her pain, and when she finally found happiness, she has to face more. When she told me she had cancer over the phone, the only thing I could scream was "it's not fair".

She has experienced much happiness in the last 6+ years and has overcome the odds. She's a survivor. Maybe her purpose is really to show others how to come through adversity through her own experiences. By living it, not talking it. I'm so proud of how she has overcome life's adversity to become the strong woman she is today. And I have faith she will survive this to help many more people for years to come.

My main goal is to get Polly through her cancer treatment; to help restore her to health and for her to have the happiness in life that she deserves after many years of struggling to get ahead in life. In order to achieve this, whatever amount you can afford, even if it's a small amount, can help Polly through this difficult time with less stress in her life so she can come out the other end alive and healthy. She has been there so much for others and now I am asking that the community be there for her.

She has a fighting spirit and will share her journey along the way. I have added her Instagram and Twitter accounts so you can keep a track of her journey.

Thanking you in advance for your selflessness and kindness in supporting this amazing, kind, loving person. With her the world is a better place.

Please further this cause by sharing this fundraising page. Many thanks.