Sue – DA Western Region Posted on: 15 August 2025

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, having a mastectomy, then chemotherapy & radiation treatment. I started dragon boating before I had finished treatment, I was so keen! Popped a scarf on my head & off I went. This helped me stay positive & focus on the future.

In 2018 I received a shock diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic cancer – the bitch had eaten out my femur & gone into the soft tissue – so 5 years of treatment & radiation. At the time of diagnosis I was given the end of life package & told to be realistic. Momentarily I believed this & the fear filled my very being. I didn’t open the package & 2 weeks later I threw it in the bin. I continued to dragon boat during this time doing what I could.

It was close to the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission festival in Florence – a celebration of life with breast cancer survivors from all over the world. I delayed treatment until after this event so I could feel well enough to enjoy it. I am now 7 years on and still well. I have a disability as I have had a limb replacement & decided to put in an EOI to try out for the inaugural Aurora’s Para dragons team, and to my great surprise I was successful. It has been an incredibly hard 6 months of training & a lonely journey living in regional Australia, but I have stayed focused & driven myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. I can’t believe I will be wearing green & gold for my country. What an honour and evidence that dreams really can come true.

I hope that I am able to give hope to others that are diagnosed with metastatic cancer a diagnosis that fills you with fear, that there can be life after the diagnosis. Paddles up as dragon boating has given me the will to carry on & keep me fit & healthy.