A single mother who went to the doctor with a persistent cough and was diagnosed with breast cancer has received a new heartbreaking blow just days before Christmas.
Sara Climie, 38, was diagnosed in May after her doctor noticed a strange symptom, “hard ridges” on her right breast.
With no family history of breast cancer, the Sunshine Coast mother was shocked by the diagnosis.
“The cough was completely irrelevant, but it just got me there,” the photographer and stylist said. Yahoo News.
‘It changed our lives completely so quickly… it took over… you never think it’s going to happen to you.’
After months of intense chemotherapy, nicknamed the ‘red devil’, she received the green light to undergo a double mastectomy.
Ms Climie was thrilled to be given the all-clear and hoped to make a full recovery by Christmas.
Sadly, a post-operative scan found a 2cm tumour, meaning he now faces another nine months of another chemotherapy and possibly radiation. bone injections and hormone therapy for 5 to 10 years.
Sara Climie (pictured) was diagnosed with cancer in May after seeing her doctor for a persistent cough.
“I was just looking towards the finish line. I was just telling myself it was temporary and we would be back soon. Now I realize it was wishful thinking,” said Mrs Climie.
Unable to work, Mrs Climie and her young son have lived off their savings.
With many months of grueling treatments ahead of him, he has created a GoFundMe to ease the financial burden.
“The road ahead is overwhelming and all-consuming as I try to keep things as normal as possible on the home front,” he wrote.
“I can’t work as much, with side effects and appointments, and although I have been able to do so this year, the additional costs of keeping my physical and mental health strong for much longer are going to be a big problem.” struggle.’
Mrs. Climie does everything she can to avoid appearing “sick” in front of her son, but her condition has taken its toll.
A 2cm tumor found after surgery means Sara Climie (pictured) faces another nine months of chemotherapy and possible radiation.
“The loss of my independence, my energy, my breasts, my career, my hair, my social life, my ability to show up as the friend and mother I have always been,” she said.
‘I did it all with a little joke and a flick of my wig, knowing it would be over soon.
‘We thought we were done. He thinks we’re done. And we’re not even halfway there.
Proceeds will go towards covering Ms Climie’s mounting medical bills.
“Any contributions will be used to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy through pain management, mental health support, and comprehensive cancer care,” he wrote.
“This is an expensive time of year and a wild world we live in, but if you were planning on treating me to a coffee or champagne soon to celebrate, or wondering how to help, we’re here.”
Climie also shared some heartfelt advice for all Australian women.
“Please continue to check on yourself, no matter your age,” he said.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia and one in seven women is diagnosed during their lifetime.
While cancer predominantly affects women, men can also contract the disease.
Women aged 50 to 74 are eligible for a free mammogram every two years through the BreastScreen Australia program.
Early symptoms include lump formation and a change in breast size or shape.