One of my best friends died from Breast Cancer. I'm lucky I didn't.

Just over a year ago I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Urgh. It was less than a year since one of my BFFs had died of BC so I was a) painfully aware of the possible trajectory and b) more annoyed than usual that she wasn’t here so I we could compare notes.

We (I say "we" because every part of this was me and Eric together) decided that if the cancer was going to be aggressive then we would be even more aggressive in return. So 16+ rounds of chemo, followed by surgery and then 15 rounds of radiation (and a bit more chemo for good luck) later here I am - with NO detectable cancer!! Yippee!!

So, for those of you wondering whether I had made a bold ‘sliding doors’ style hair cut choice…no. It was not a choice. And now it’s grown back curly...delightfully called "chemo curls".

This whole recovery was thanks to amazing friends and family stepping in to help with the kids, food, laundry, baking…you name it they did it. And to an supportive employer who let me work as much or as little as I needed. I’ll be in trouble if I start naming names but Eric and my sister Caroline were next level incredible.

I reckon the cancer game is 50% physical and 50% psychological and I’m lucky my psych game is strong. I can always find the funny side and the upside of the situation:

- Chemo ended up being quality time with BFFs who sat with me on Wednesdays.

- Radiation was an opportunity for deep breathing and a bit of shut eye in the dark.

- Generally telling people you have cancer means they all feel obliged to reply to you so I got some great catchups with old friends! - Surgery, well actually that just sucked....But I guess all new bras is an upside!

If there’s a PSA here it’s do your self checks and go to the doctor. Men - make the women in your lives do this too. I found a lump, Eric made me go straight to see a Dr, and then I pushed at every opportunity for faster, evidence based treatment. I tracked my own care, I relied on expert advice. I discounted current pain for future gain.

I am more than happy to talk to anyone about the journey, especially anyone who suddenly finds themselves on the same crappy position.

I’m doing the Pink Ribbon walk this weekend for me, for Nikki and for the 3,700 women diagnosed with Breast Cancer this year.

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My activity tracking

Walked

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My goal

50kms

My Impact

Keeping our breast nurses out and about in the pink campervan for 58 hours, thanks to you!

Funds raised over the years

Thank you to my Sponsors

$94.16

Mark Bradlry

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$133.80

Seini

Bravo Cat!! Big love to you ❤️ 🙌🏽

$58.02

Caroline

$23.50

Sarah Carswell

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Kerry Brennan

Love that you are paying it forward, Cat! ❤️

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Julia Fitzpatrick

$100.00

Holly & Calum

$106.12

Emily Hawkes

You are incredible Cat, lots of ❤️

$58.02

Aunty Sandy & Uncle Andrew

It’s a great walk to do, it does get a bit emotional as you join others who have been through their own journey or family and friends doing the same. Cat all the best . You’re a true warrior.

$35.00

Craig S

Kia kaha, Cat! Hugs and aroha from London

$11.80

Amy Gregory

I knew you were an awesome badass when we met in Kenya! It's been awhile since then and I've been delighted to follow along on socials with your amazing moments (like getting married and becoming a Mama!). And now this!! Go you!! 💪🤩 Sending all the aroha, Amy xx

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Andrea

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Kate And David

Go Cat, you are amazing and an inspiration x

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Cushla Thompson

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Audrey

Love you Cat!

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Chetwin

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Anna & Tejinder

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Quang Trinh

Such an inspiring story of strength, Cat.

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David Farrar

Awesome cause for awesome people.

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Anonymous

💛💜❤️🧡💙🩵🩷

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Anne Moody

I am blessed with an amazing and strong daughter

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Cathryn

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Anonymous

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Sarah Taylor

You are such an amazing inspiration Cat.🥰

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Ranui And Matt

Loving seeing you doing so well. You are, and always have been, a wahine toa. Arohanui x

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Jude Leitten

Love you Cat!

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Kevin Doyle

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Rosalind Burley

Lots of love to you Cat xx

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Helen Trappitt

You are an inspiration Cat

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Alisha & James

You’re amazing Cat. BCF was such a great support to my mum too x

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Tracy Mears

You go girl!

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Pam And John

Such great news Cat. You are an inspiration!!

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Natalie Russell

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Beth P

So in awe of you Cat! Bx

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Anonymous

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Jinnie Lee

F*ck cancer!

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Kristin Thompson & Richard Gibson

Hey Cat!! You go girl! I’m so, so sorry this happened to you and yay you for taking the bull by the horns and addressing it head on! Richard and I are sending love. We miss you. Love, Kristin

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Larry Handerhan

We love you Cat ❤️❤️❤️

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Carla Andrews

Celebrating you, Cat, and the change each step taken and each dollar raised will make for other women.

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Marnee

Well done

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Elizabeth Buggy

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Fallon Whitlow

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Abbi Stuart

So incredibly proud of you!! 🩷💕

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Ross Browne

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Mo Earley

Cheering you on from the other side of the globe - thrilled you're well and on the other side of this!!

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Kirsti Longley

You are amazing!

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John And Joanne Knauf

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Lucy Neame

Good idea. I just signed up to do the Auckland one 👍

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Nicole Ruder

Gigantic hug!!!

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Anna Cook

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Julia Batchelor-smith

You’re amazing Cat. This is a journey no woman wants to walk but far too many do. Much love, Julia xxx

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Catherine Levermore & Nic Williams

A great cause, Cat and great to know you are now well. Sorry to hear it’s been such a journey.

$28.43

Cat Moody

One of my best friends died from Breast Cancer. I'm lucky I didn't.