Cancer Council’s ENRICHing Survivorship program

After six months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation, Amy Kelman’s treatment now includes tap dancing and yoga.

Breast cancer survivor Amy Kelman. Picture: Angelo Velardo

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After six months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation, Amy Kelman’s treatment now includes tap dancing and yoga.

The 38-year-old Cherrybrook breast cancer survivor enlisted in the Cancer Council’s ENRICHing Survivorship program in November to help develop healthy physical and mental habits after treatment.

Amy Kelman at The Lakes of Cherrybrook. Picture: Angelo Velardo

‘Now I am more inclined to take time out for myself’: Breast cancer survivor Amy Kelman. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The mother-of-two said the group program, run at Wahroonga, brought out the best in her.

“I think if you’ve got a healthy body it helps recovery, it’s going to prevent future illnesses,’’ she said.

“I’m more aware now of what I am eating and I have discovered that I really can’t tolerate dairy or tolerate sugar, and in terms of exercise I didn’t really have an exercise regimen before but now I am more inclined to take time out for myself.”

Despite still having “chemo brain” and restricted movement, Mrs Kelman said she felt at her best since her diagnosis in May 2017 when an aching underarm led to a discovery she had stage two breast cancer.

The radiation left her with bruised ribs but she has a positive outlook on life and works as a professional organiser.

“It sounds weird, but it was a good experience,’’ she said.

“It brought the family together. We have learnt we’re more resilient than we thought we were.

“Boobs don’t bother me. It’s not part of my identity.”

The mother to Toby, 8, and Molly, 5, was one of the youngest in the survivorship program and she enjoyed other’s company.

“It’s nice to know you’re not alone,” she said.

The program includes yoga and anxiety-management tips runs each Friday from March 22 to May 24 over two-hour sessions.

Participants are encouraged to bring their friends or family to the program.

Register at cancercouncil.com.au/ENRICH, call 1300 360 541 or email [e-mail].