From Chemo To Cabaret - A Journey Of Recovery

I've learned a few things during my chemotherapy journey, one of the biggest being the importance of fully resting and pacing myself. Every three weeks, I head to the hospital for an infusion, and while I feel okay on days two and three, I've realised those are the moments to slow down, not push through. If I overdo it, days four to seven—the hardest—become even more brutal. So instead, I embrace rest during those early days and make the most of the good week that follows on week three, when I get a break from the oral chemo tablets and my body starts to rebuild.
Last week was one of those good weeks, and for the first time since my son Brydon was born a year and a half ago, I had an adult night out! My husband and I were treated to stage-front seats at Scandalous, a saucy circus cabaret, complete with a cheese platter and wine. It was such a fun night—big shoutout to my friend Claire Luff for babysitting! The performance is still showing tonight and Saturday, if you haven’t checked this new show out, I highly recommend the experience.
The weekend continued with an invitation to the Malayalee Association of Mackay's Onam festival. The vibrant celebration was rich in cultural heritage, bursting with colour, dance, and delicious food. I was honoured to join the celebration. Later that evening, I attended the Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful – Broken Ballerina Ball, supporting vital work for those fleeing domestic violence. Adorned in pink with a glittering chandelier and fairy lights, the Mackay Turf Club sparkled for this important cause.
You can read my stories on Scandalous on page 26, Onam on the cover and page 10, and Hannah McNamara’s Broken Ballerina story on pages 22-23.
For now, I'm resting as chemo treatment number five was yesterday. My takeaway to anyone who may face cancer now or in the future, is that there’s a difference between living with cancer, and living with cancer.
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Amanda

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