Christel Lindsay

International Women's Day Fun Run presented by Queensland X-Ray

8 years ago

8 years ago today I was in the Mater Springfield having spent the night on the ward post my lumpectomy. I was waiting for Rhys to pick me up after dropping our daughter at school and doing a few errands. I felt raw, lost, scared, and broken. My mind was in flight mode, get me out of here, this isn’t happening to me. I just wanted to go home and make it all go away. At this stage I didn’t know what type of Breast Cancer I had, I had no idea what stage or grade (terms that you learn very quickly are important), all I knew was part of my breast was gone and I felt like crap!
The night in the hospital was not helped by staff shortages and a night nurse that had zero empathy, but come morning one of the nurses from the Cancer Centre popped in to check on me and introduce herself. She made me feel heard, treated me with compassion and I knew I would be in good hands if I could get my treatment at this hospital only 5minutes from home.
Rhys arrived and he looked terrible, no sleep worried about me, we joked about my cool white stockings and hospital gown before asking if I could “blow this joint”, I really did ask that! They discharged me and we went home and just spent quiet time together before school pickup. Just the two of us with our thoughts and fears.
They say time flies, but in these moments it is like time slows down, it makes you stop and make mental memories, the feelings, sounds and smells are all still with me 8 years on from some of these milestones in my diagnosis. 
I was admitted into the Cancer Centre at Mater Springfield a few weeks later, and I am so grateful for the care I received so close to home. I didn’t feel like a number, they laughed at my antics and held my hand when I needed it. Thank you to my wonderful medical support team you are forever part of Team Lindsay.

Reflection and positivity

This time in 2016 I was aware of breast cancer but not alarmed as I had a full breast scan at a specialist breast clinic in 2015 and all was good - they told me to come back at 40. The only reason I went was because of my grandmother had breast cancer in her 50s and my gp and I decided to get a baseline screening so that we had something to come to as I entered my 40s. Anyway, 10 months after that scan I found a lump myself while in the shower. Within 24 hours I was back at the same clinic, anxious and just knew something wasn't right. 24 hours later my world was turned upside down with a breast cancer diagnosis. I was 37 years old. 

Today I am healthy and happy and again ready to hit the pavement to support those that have been through the same thing as me, and I walk for not only myself and my family and friends who supported me but for those that have lost their battle and their families and for all of those medical professionals that work so hard to support us medically and emotionally through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

For those that can spare $5, it all adds up, and my family received the services of Chick In Pink, with support for not only me but also my child who was 6 at the time. 

Thanks for reading, until next time get to know your breasts and early detection is key.

Photo from 2017, 1 year after my diagnosis at the FunRun.

I’m part of the International Women’s Day Fun Run!

I'm raising funds to support women with breast cancer now and into the future. 

By making a donation, you can play a part in improving treatments and care for women diagnosed with breast cancer.  

When you donate, you’re helping to support counselling services and supply practical items like mastectomy bras and wigs after surgery and chemotherapy.  

You’ll also be supporting world leading research that focuses on improving survival rates and working towards a world where ALL women diagnosed with breast cancer survive. 

Ultimately, you’ll help make life easier for women with breast cancer today and save more lives tomorrow. 

As little as $65 can make a profound impact and take some of the stress off women with breast cancer and their families. Please, if you possibly can, will you donate today? 

  • Thanks to your support, Christel Lindsay has raised enough for 6.0 hours of research lab time.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$26.38

Annette Hodkinson

Well done 💗

$10.55

Jay Caldwell

$126.60

Sharon

😃

$189.90

Adam Spinks

Way to go Christel. Smash it out again. Enjoy the day.

$26.38

Weston Family

$52.75

Christel Lindsay

$57.97

Christel Lindsay

$68.58

Mason Family

$26.38

Weston Family

$52.75

Iain Puxty

All the best with your "fun run" and gathering funds for a worthwhile charity. Cheers 😁

$68.58

Lesley Kite

$52.75

You've Received A Match!

Thanks to our amazing event supporters

$21.10

Cox Family

Way to go!! Thank you for being amazing!