At Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC) we are very proud to welcome Cheryle Allan as our Ambassador for the BRICC Wellness Centre 2022 Dry July Campaign.
Early in 2018 Cheryle dismissed not feeling 100%, “having a lot on at the time” - renovating a house and helping her daughter care for her children. It was not until months later in the shower, feeling much better “fit and healthy” she felt some pressure under her arm “almost like a pimple” and didn’t think much of it. The following day presented the same issue and she decided to go see her GP, who sent Cheryle straight off for a mammogram.
At the end of the day she got a call with the news that she had stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. Cheryle has no history of breast cancer in her family.
She kept the diagnosis to herself for some time, coming to terms with the news. When she eventually shared with family and friends, they were devastated.
Treatment started straight away, initially Cheryle underwent two types of chemotherapy, followed by a third type of chemo which went on for 9 months. She then had a lumpectomy (which was not effective) and finally, a double mastectomy.
This was followed by solid radiation, every weekday for 6 weeks. For 8 months Cheryle took chemotherapy tablets, which caused many side effects.
Throughout her treatment, the Wellness Centre in BRICC made a huge impact on Cheryle’s journey. The Wellness Centre was a place where Cheryle could stay positive no matter how she was feeling. She could walk in, and every time there would be somebody to talk to with a welcoming smile. The Wellness Centre educated Cheryle through a range of channels, self – care, spiritually and massage therapy. Offering support for the whole person, not only their illness.
After 8 months on chemotherapy tablets she was able to have 2 months off all treatment. During this time Cheryle had a feeling something was not quite right. After a second cancer diagnosis she was put onto 2 years of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
After 9 months she discovered that every tumour had completely disappeared and there were no live cancer cells in her body.
Today Cheryle is still yet to finish the 2 years of immunotherapy until she’s finished treatment altogether.
“The girls from the Wellness Centre are invaluable keeping you positive and boosting your spirits. The programs they offer such as the massage therapy and Rieke are invigorating”.
“The Wellness Centre makes it is easy to stay positive”.
By supporting Dry July and selecting Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre as a beneficiary, you are helping people like Cheryle access the support given by the Wellness Centre.
The Wellness Centre programs are provided at no cost to the patient, all 100% funded by members community like you.
