Support Sara’s Cancer Healing

I never thought I’d do this, but here I am, reaching out and ready to lean on my community during this completely fucked up time.

I’m a 38 year old solo mama, photographer, stylist, creative .. god how do you sum yourself up in this context?! I think I’m a good person. I know I’m a good mum. It’s been just us for 8 years, and I’ve done my best to give him everything he needs and more. I realise now that all he really needs is me.

6 months ago I went to my son’s gp for a cough, and I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I’ve undergone intense chemotherapy, a double mastectomy & hormone therapy and have embraced them with as much positivity and strength as I could muster. The loss of my independence, my energy, my breasts, career, hair, social life, ability to show up as the friend and mum I’ve always been.. I’ve done it all with a little joke and a flick of my wig, knowing it would be over soon. I’m tough. We’re cool. I can do this.

Unfortunately, after being given the all clear on my scans a while back, a 2cm tumour was found post surgery. I now have 9 more months of a different chemotherapy ahead. Possible radiation. Bone injections, and hormone therapy for 5-10 years. We thought we were done. He thinks we’re done. And we’re not even halfway there.

The road ahead is overwhelming and consuming me, while I try to keep things as normal as possible on the home front. I’m not able to work much, with side effects and appointments, and while I’ve been able to swing it this year, the extra costs involved in keeping my physical and mental health strong for so much longer is going to be a struggle.

Please know I am putting this out there with NO pressure. Any contributions will be used to minimise my chemo side effects with pain management, mental health support and integrative oncology care. This is a costly time of year and a wild world we’re now living in, but if you were planning on buying me a celebratory coffee or champagne soon, or have been wondering how to help, then here we are.

I share a lot on Instagram, if you’d like to go back and see the journey so far @saraclimie.

And please keep checking yourself no matter your age.

Big love, always.

Sara X