Ipswich mum Tamara Tannock stronger than ever after cancer diagnosis
Following a cancer diagnosis, a South East Queensland mum has found renewed strength in herself and is determined to empower and help other women through her advocacy.
Ipswich
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Despite being given a life altering cervical cancer diagnosis which created a physical, mental, and financial strain – Ipswich mum Tamara Tannock said she’s feeling stronger than ever.
Although Mrs Tannock said there were some low points, she had to pick herself up from, with the support of loved ones and an online community.
“At the beginning I was full of shame, I cried a lot, but I found strength and courage and I’m determined to spread awareness and break down the stigma around cervical cancer,” she said.
“Although I’m physically at my weakest I have so much strength now.”
Just weeks before her son’s birthday in late November, 2021, Mrs Tannock found out she had cancer.
“I got a call two weeks after the procedure and I just knew straight away it was bad,” he said.
“I always knew something wasn’t quite right but the tests that keep coming back didn’t reflect that and I had to actually push to get the procedure done.”
The midwife said women really need to listen to their bodies and advocate for themselves in the face of medical professionals telling them otherwise.
“Any symptom at all, it’s worth getting checked because mine weren’t typical,” she said.
“I had pain, weight loss, a painful full bladder, tiredness… but I have five children including a newborn and I’m always flat out so I just didn’t put too much thought into it.”
Mrs Tannock said the worst part of her cancer journey so far was in the lead up to Christmas while waiting to hear how bad the cancer was.
Christmas Eve brought bad news.
“I just went into shock, having to face mortality at 34 was being hit like a truck,” she said.
“The hope was that it was small and isolated but it was found in a small blood vessel so it had spread.”
Despite the earth shattering news, Mrs Tannock stayed up all night prepping for Christmas day for her children.
“Those weeks are a blur, I didn’t feel like myself, I was so weak from the treatment that I couldn’t hold my baby to put her to sleep most nights,” she said.
Mrs Tannock’s friend Kirsten Armstrong created a GoFundMe to help with financial strains.
“Tam is one of the most amazing people and is going through the roughest time of her life right now,” Ms Armstrong said.
“With Michael needed at home more often, he cannot work every day, and bringing in a steady income has been a burden they shouldn’t have to carry.
“With all the extra medications, travel, parking and all the things it takes to get Tam to Brisbane and back every day has become a lot to handle.”
Just days after the fundraiser was launched the $5,500 goal was smashed and as of Friday, March 4, is just shy of $10k.
Mrs Tannock said the amount of support she has received has been amazing and surprisingly reminded her that she is in fact loved.
“You get so caught up in caring for your kids you almost lose sight of yourself, and forget how much you matter and are cared for,” she said.
Mrs Tannock said often women will ask her what they can do to help her and her response is always the same - go out and get a pap smear if it’s overdue.
“There’s a lot of stigma around cervical cancer and pap smears that needs to be taken away, and sometimes women are scared but it’s better to just go and get checked out,” she urged.
Typical cervical cancer symptoms to look out for:
•Vaginal bleeding between periods
•Menstrual bleeding that is longer/ heavier than usual
•Pain during intercourse
•Bleeding after intercourse
•Pelvic pain
•A change in your vaginal discharge
•Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Early detection:
•It’s important to have regular cervical screening tests from the ages of 25 to 74.
•The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test.
•If you have previously had a Pap test, you should have your first HPV cervical screening test two years after your last Pap test.
•Cervical cancer is largely preventable.
•Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve cervical cancer survival.
For more information on cervical cancer awareness and prevention, click here.