How Crossfit is helping mum fight cancer
SUPPORT HELP S MUM’S FIGHT
WHILE breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women aged 55-64 years, a 32-year-old Townsville mum is tackling the disease head-on with assistance from a loving support network and Crossfit.
Elyce Mitchell was trying for her second child when she received the diagnosis no young woman expects to hear.
“I have a beautiful little girl, Millie, who turns two in September,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“We were starting to think about baby number two in August last year when I found a ropy area in my left breast. After I finished breast feeding, I noticed discharge coming from my breast.”
Mrs Mitchell went to the doctor straight away and after receiving scans and ultrasounds she was given the all clear.
But just six months later, a routine pre-natal ultrasound turned her life upside down.
“I hadn’t noticed any other changes, but they found a lump. It was a whirlwind week after that with a biopsy, mammogram and a whole heap of scans,” she said.
“My husband, Stevie, had been away all week and I didn’t want to tell him what was happening, but thankfully he got back just in time. I was back at the GP with him when I found out the news — I had breast cancer.”
Mrs Mitchell said she was shaken by the diagnosis, but was grateful for the support network she had around her.
“Stevie has been awesome, he’s just been so good.
“We have very similar views on things and we both said ‘we have no other option but to fight this thing and beat it’. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing.”
To add to the stress of a cancer diagnosis, the potential impact treatment could have on her fertility loomed heavily.
Mrs Mitchell made the decision to delay treatment and receive IVF as soon as possible in the hope of one day adding another child to her family.
She then began chemotherapy at Icon Cancer Centre Townsville, where her mother, Glenys, is a member of staff.
“The first four rounds were pretty tough but looking back I’ve been charging through.
“It’s a tough situation for a family but we’ve kept things as normal as possible and our daughter, Millie, has been amazing.”
The Railway Estate resident also said her fitness family at Crossfit 4810 had given her more strength to power on.
“I’ve been going to Crossfit four times a week throughout treatment, and when COVID-19 came and shut that down, I kept it up at home.
“It really helped me initially to see people and have some aspect of life remain the same.
“It’s not just been good for my body, but also my mind and soul.”