A crocheted blanket, music, a book of Greek myths and an oversized swimsuit helped Sarah Aylott through three long years of breast cancer treatment, reports BINA BROWN.

HOLDING up a large pair of swimmers at the recent launch of the 2023 Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, Sarah Aylott, 44, talked about her massive weight gain during treatment for stage three estrogen positive breast cancer, which first presented as a bulge in her breast the size of a tennis ball.

“Even with a lump that big, I put off getting it checked for six months. I remember feeling that it was nothing to worry about. This was the first of many things I turned out to be wrong about,” says Sarah.

She picked out the blanket on the first of many visits to the Canberra Cancer centre. 

“I love my blanket. It stopped me from freezing during chemotherapy and reminds me of the net of people and services and energy that held me while I was sick – the medications, scientific experimentation and research, the expertise of doctors and nurses, the volunteers, drivers, donors, the faceless strangers who bother to care for someone they will never know. 

“Seeing the diversity of people in the chemotherapy ward cured me forever of any thought that we are somehow to blame for getting cancer.

“If there is a pattern there, I cannot see it.”

A book of Greek myths offered Sarah “raw and brutal stories about suffering and mortality”. 

“We think that if we have the perfect yoga routine, eat only greens and control every aspect of our lives, maybe we can slip past illness, she says. 

“We need to create space in our world for sickness, death and fragility.” 

The “rich times of playing” her violin provided her with some much needed nourishment.

“Music is big enough to hold you, whatever is happening in your life,” she says.

“You don’t need to look good or be any good. You can play for yourself. The focus of playing is helpful for an anxious mind.”

While the long years of treatment left Sarah feeling “tired, sick, lost and broken and like they would never end”, she no longer suffers the crushing anxiety of whether she will get to keep living.

“Every day in Australia, nine women die of breast cancer. I feel so much sadness for those who haven’t been able to survive this disease and I am so grateful for the chance to be alive for one more day, to feel and experience things – good or bad,” says Sarah.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women in Australia. 

“One way to honour those who have been touched by breast cancer is to attend the Mother’s Day Classic fun run and walk on May 14,” says MDC chief executive Zara Lawless.

“All funds raised go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for much needed research.

“We understand that Mother’s Day can be a challenging day for many, which is why the Mother’s Day Classic has always been so important for our community. We’ll walk, run, laugh, cry and cheer each other on, and cross that finish line stronger together.”

Register to walk or run, volunteer or fundraise at mothersdayclassic.com.au