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Carmen and Jo's Breasties Brunch

By Carmen Burton

Please help me make an impact.

Wishy Washy Expectations

Lately I feel like I'm inside a washing machine, being tossed around and around. With each 'round' of treatment, I experience a 'round' of symptoms, and I can only predict a small percentage of what may result each time. 

Going through chemotherapy treatment can be disorientating, confusing, frustrating and exhausting. Apart from the nausea and fatigue, I find the cognitive impairment the hardest. I am used to operating at a high (normal) level where I can juggle multiple thoughts at one time and remember lots of detail. With many reminders from friends, I have needed to drastically reduce expectations of myself in a given day, particularly on those bad days. There are so many things to remember with chemo treatment - medical appointments, blood tests, medication, observing symptoms, self-care... and all this on top of being a parent.  It's hard going on someone who is experiencing brain fog, forgetfulness, fatigue and cognitive impairment.  

On the upside, this stuff changes from day to day, and some days are better than others. Some days are wonderful, and precious, and I'm grateful. I try to live with a 'tomorrow is a new day' outlook which I think is always helpful.

It's October now and it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. I'm facing my 5th round of treatment in two weeks which means I'm almost nearing the end of these intense rounds. It doesn't mean it's the end of my breast cancer treatment. There is more to come yet.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who have already donated - you made me smile as you are donating to a very worthy cause. The Mater does great work.  If you haven't yet donated, I hope you can find time to do so this month for The Chicks in Pink.

Hitting Halfway for Chemo Treatment

Friday 4th September was my birthday.  It was also one of my cancer treatment days - the third in a round of six to receive chemotherapy.  I called it the 'halfway mark pre-surgery'. This means I'm halfway through receiving the most intense part of my treatment. It's my way of breaking the big 'C' stuff down into more manageable bite-size pieces.  It wasn't how I expected to spend my birthday BUT that's okay. I did get to spend it with family and I was surrounded by love. 

While I was waiting for my oncology appointment at the Mater Hospital, I saw a poster promoting 'Breasties Brunch in October', a fundraising event run by the Mater Chicks in Pink Foundation. I thought, hey I could host something small and do a bit of fundraising. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early July, and am still quite early on in my cancer journey. I have a long way to go yet, believe me. I realise the value and impact of these Mater fundraising events for women going through breast cancer. I realise the importance of backing cancer research. I see the value in the work of nurses, oncologists, surgeons and volunteers who are helping me to get through and get me better. They are incredible people who really care about what they do and I figure, why not host a brunch and see what I can raise. Every little bit helps. Every little bit goes a long way. 

My sister Jo is helping to make this event happen. We hope you can make a contribution by coming to our brunch. If you can't, no worries - you can contribute by making a simple donation here on this webpage. 

Let's make a little deal - I promise to keep posting my cancer stories and updates to rally you on if you promise to donate to cancer research. I hope to see familiar names pop up in the sponsor list over the next four weeks in the lead up to the brunch. I guarantee seeing familiar names will make me smile (and maybe even cry). 

Big Love to you all x

Fundraising for Cancer Research

This October, my sister Jo and I are hosting a 'Breasties Brunch in October' event to raise money for cancer research through the Mater Chicks in Pink Foundation. 

Come along, wear something pink (anything!) and bring a plate of food to share. There will be raffles on the day for some extra fun as we try and hit our fundraising goal of $800. 

The event will be on Sunday 18th October at 11am at Jo's house in Lota (we can DM for address details).

If you can't make it, that's no problem. You can still donate via this webpage - I mean it when I say any contribution will be greatly appreciated. 

Please help me make an impact for women with breast cancer

This October—during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—I will be fundraising for Mater Chicks in Pink, helping provide specialist breast care nurses, practical recovery support and survivorship programs for women on their breast cancer journey. So she can understand what’s happening. So she can feel more comfortable with her body. So she can move forward with confidence.

As little as $65 can help make a real difference for these women and their loved ones. Will you support me?

Please support my fundraising

Raised

$1,612

My Goal

$800

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$135
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Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.75

Abn: 16487949394

Hey Carmen, I can only imagine how hard the treatment process must be for you. No matter what, your passion and purpose shines bright, bringing others together through your experience. As always, you are a natural leader! Thank you for inviting me to be there to stand by you and help raise funds for such an important cause. Selfcare first! 💗with love. Mel

$144.11

Anonymous

Big Love x

$106.75

The Breakspear’s X

You are stronger than you know! Big love, the Breakspears xoxo

$55.95

Tanya Vicario

Thinking of you and cheering you on, Carmen. Your resilience shines so brightly. We send you strength and positivity to get you through xx

$144.11

Rita And Billy

You are an amazing lady and handling this like eveeything with grace and strength💪

$34.40

Anonymous

From a friend of all goats.

$55.95

Anonymous

$72.06

Prissie Mae Dunne

$106.75

Hutton Industries

Beautiful Carmen I am so devastated. Count me in to tag along your journey!

$232.35

Rb

You got this

$106.75

The Gamblings

Good on ya Carmen! Date is in the diary. x

$232.35

Anonymous

From the Dad of a friend of all goats. Keep kicking cancer's arse so hard it won't dare to return.

$106.75

Martina Dorahy

Love you babe! You’ve got this xx

$106.75

Anonymous

Hi Carmen, Just to let you know, i donated 100 .