Cassandra Thorburn has given fans a heartbreaking health update as she continues to battle through her breast cancer treatment.
The journalist, children’s author and ex-wife of Today host Karl Stefanovic, has been keeping her online followers informed about her treatment since sharing the news of her diagnosis back in February.
While mostly upbeat and positive, the latest update reveals a creeping sense of loneliness.
“A one foot in front of the other kind of day walking to Chemo treatment today. Sending everyone on the chemo journey, especially those of you on our own, a virtual hug,” she shared on Instagram, along with an updated snap of her – with the chemo now taking all of her hair.
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“I am with you in the dark of the night when the house is quiet and your thoughts are loud.”
The mum-of-three continued that she has been trying ways to remain positive throughout the gruelling treatment.
“Giving meditation a shot tomorrow. Enrol with Look Good Feel Better,” she said.
Look Good Feel Better is well-respected national support program designed for those battling cancer. Through workshops and in-person consultations, the program provides tips and tools to help empower patients, allowing them to control their self care through treatment with confidence.
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Thorburn revealed that she had been diagnosed with Occult breast cancer (OBC) – a rare form of breast cancer – back on February 28th, when she debuted her new shaved head along with her grim news on Instagram.
“Life really is like a box of chocolates and this chapter is giving me praline or truffle vibes. All kudos to the Toni and Guy pink scissors program for the kick arse clipper treatment by their wonderful Mosman team. It will grow back – super grateful,” she captioned the shot.
Less than 24 hours later, and after much public support, she returned to social media with a video sharing a few more details about her health.
“I’m going to have to read this because on my walk this morning, I thought about all the reasons why I made that post yesterday,” she began.
“Most of it is controlling the only part of my treatment and diagnosis that I can. That’s the part about when the hair comes off and when you tell people. For my adult children and for myself, I’m not interested in hiding and that’s because I’m not alone. I’m not walking a path that is not well travelled by many women before me and I will not be the last.”
“Breast cancer affects one in seven women in New South Wales, which is where I live. I read that sitting for my mammogram not long ago and I was the one in seven that day.”
The brave mum ends her video with a special shout-out to the Aussie health system, which led to her diagnosis.
“My shout-out today is for NSW Breast Screen, who picked up my triple negative occult breast cancer, which is no small feat if you know what occult breast cancer is. I didn’t until now.
“I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And when your mammogram reminder arrives in the mail, don’t dilly dally. Do as I did, book it straight away. It may have flipped my world in days, but there’s no ‘why me?’ There’s no ‘poor me’ here. Just a desire to stop this in it’s tracks.”