Carrie’s Story

I was diagnosed here in Harare at The Well Woman clinic in June 2002.The first feeling I had – I was AFRONTED! I had been fit and working as a physiotherapist. However looking back I think I had burnt out. I had, had a routine check up which showed up with nothing but 3 or so weeks later I could still feel a lump and I had a needle biopsy followed by a right Mastectomy a few days later. Only two lymph nodes were removed (they were clear)I had two oncologists, one in Harare and one in Capetown, and over the next few months I had Chemotherapy in Harare and radiotherapy in Capetown. Two years later I was able to have reconstruction by a plastic surgeon here in Harare. I continue to keep in touch and have confidence with both oncologists; they have always conferred with each other. I joined Reach for Recovery and did some simple training with Ann Steyn who has been here a couple of times from R4R International Cape Town. We have an active and facilitated R4R group that has reached between 500 and 600 ladies, plus a couple of men. Plus I link in with Debi Jeans’ PINK PROJECT. I practice Art of Living techniques (breathing and meditation) which help to relieve stress.