By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
The young mum celebrating in Kardinia Park Pool looks a picture of health.
But beneath the smiling exterior lays a nightmare story of devastation, fear and agony.
Just seven months ago Lovely Banks’ Claire Sykes was in hospital unable to breathe without an oxygen mask and incapable of walking more than a few steps.
The nightmare began in June when she was a busy 32-year-old wife and mum to two who “really didn’t have time to get sick”.
“But after many weeks of pneumonia that wasn’t resolving with three rounds of antibiotics, I ended up in hospital to try to figure out why,” Claire recalled.
“An exploratory bronchoscopy, a biopsy and a collapsed lung later, I was diagnosed with a carcinoid lung tumour, a very rare neuroendocrine cancer.
“So rare that many doctors had never seen it before or knew anything about it.
“Although I’d been very sick, it was such a huge shock to be told I had cancer, especially in my lung considering I was young and had never smoked.
“I was devastated and very scared for myself and my family.
“After many tests, scans and agonising days of waiting, we were incredibly relieved to find out I was one of the lucky ones – they’d found it early and it hadn’t yet spread anywhere.
“Aggressive surgery was the recommended treatment and with that my prognosis looked good.
“So in August last year I underwent major surgery to remove the top half of my left lung and some of my bronchus, which needed to be reconstructed.”
Recovery was tough, Claire admitted.
“I was on narcotics for severe pain for months, found myself short of breath just walking to the toilet and I had to sleep almost upright in a recliner for weeks before I could prop myself up on pillows to sleep in my own bed again.
“But with lots of hard work, and the amazing support and help of my awesome family, friends and medical team, I got through it.
“And now, seven months on, other than the occasional twinge in my ribs, and a little shortness of breath, I am pretty much back to normal – my new normal.
“And, best of all, I am currently cancer free.”
To celebrate her recovery, Claire joined the Cancer Council’s March Charge. The initiative encourages participants to run, ride or swim down cancer this March with the goal of making Australians healthier.
And on Thursday she achieved her goal.
“This month has been hugely rewarding and positive for me,” Claire enthused.
“Having not swum for years but wanting to get into it as a form of regular exercise, I challenged myself to swim 31km in 31 days, for the March Charge.
“And I have loved it – everything about it.
“I’m feeling fitter and healthier and have much more energy, my friends and family have been joining me in my swims and I’m raising money for cancer, a cause very dear to my heart.
“As I charge down the lanes of the pool I try not to think about the burn or the aches or the exhaustion.
“I just feel so incredibly grateful and lucky I am out there at all and able take part in this amazing campaign.
“Seven months ago I never would have dreamt I’d be able to do what I’m doing now.”
Visit themarchcharge.com.au to support Claire’s fundraising efforts.
