Help Jackie Archer Fight Breast Cancer

One of the most wonderful, compassionate, kind and MOST generous human beings I know Jackie Archer is going through the big "C" fight and needs our support.

Who best to tell her story and express her feelings, than the marvellous Jackie herself. So I hope you don't mind Jackie, but I've copied your post from Facebook. Please read below. Jackie's words...

Hey Everyone,

It's taken me awhile to respond this beautiful gesture. I was so in shock that my beautiful friend Kate created this page and didn't really know how to respond - there are, of course, more important people in need, but as a friend of mine pointedly said to me - I need to learn how to receive for once in my bloody life - so now it seems is as good as any.

Kate has set up a Go Fund Me Page which I am so grateful for. A few of you fine folk have asked a bit more about what's happening so here's the lowdown: I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer Grade 3 Stage 2 and have just started Neoadjuvant chemotherapy last week which will continue for 5 months. After that I will go under the knife. So for the next two months my doctor advised me not to work as the chemo is quite aggressive (he calls it the mass bombing), and then the last 3 months will be a more "targeted missiles" of chemo when I will be able to work, then go into surgery to take these bad boys out.

So the money Kate has already gathered will help me whilst I'm not working with the mortgage, doctor bills, food delivery, drugs not covered by medicare, and a wig (have you seen how expensive wigs are?! Holy crap I have an even deeper respect for drag queens now). Anything over that will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

In the spiral of this chaos, I got one phone call that really changed everything.... "Hello, my name is Peta and from this moment on I am your one point of contact. I am your dedicated nurse that will guide you through this journey, donated from the McGrath foundation." She has set up my counselling, my doctors appointments - and I have her mobile number 24/7. When you are overwhelmed with all these numerous oncologists and secretaries and appointments you have to navigate through - that nurse is seriously an angel on earth. I didn't know really what the McGrath foundation did before, but now that I do I will support them for the rest of my life (that might not be long anyway - JOKES PEOPLE - Jokes!!).

 

So - I'll lose my hair, I've already got chemo fog brain and forget my name some mornings, may lose some weight (The Chemo Diet is all the rage peeps), but I haven't lost my spirit. I have YOU all to thank for that.

THANK YOU for all of the texts, gifts, offers for dog walks, grocery drops and the outpouring of love that has filled my inbox. Honestly, I must admit when I sat there getting that bloody biopsy (it's like an ice pic getting stabbed in your heart- I said to the doctor "Who the fuck are you, Sharon Stone?!" She didn't get it) and facing the big "c" diagnosis I did spiral down into a deep dark hole. I felt so alone and thought "ok, so this is how it ends - I have breast cancer - I might as well give up." I must admit - I really did go there. And then it happened - the flood gates opened. It was so powerful - your love. I may have never met the love of my life, or been blessed by children - but by god, I have so much love from family and friends that more than treble the love of a partner or family. In fact - you are my family. You have truly given me the strength to dig deep and it's because of you that I laugh every morning with your texts, or jokes, or just by sending me your emoji hearts. If I am slow to respond, please bare with me. I have seen every single one of them and WILL get back to you all. I really can't thank you enough.

 

For those who have already donated, I really, really THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. It's been amazing to see ex colleagues, all my ex bosses and all of my amazing colleagues from my life - SBS, Nine, M&C Saatchi -it just shows you how blessed I have been in my life. I'll write back to each of you personally, please bare with me, I'm just very slow moving right now. And all those anonymous donors - well lets just say they must be my exes right? Suckers.

 

Lots of love to all you freaking awesome people. I truly love you all. I am determined to beat this. It maybe heavyweight Grade 3 Cancer, but then I'm an aggressive Grade 3 as well - match on - see you in the spiritual ring I'm coming for you XXX

 

We love you Jackie! You got this!

Thanks and much gratitude for supporting Jackie.

Kate

xx