Melissa Burrows on discovering her cancer had returned and how music can heal
After fighting the double shock of breast cancer and a melanoma in one week, a former Gold Coast ambassador is facing a new battle two years into her recovery.
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Former Gold Coast ambassador Melissa Burrows, after fighting the double shock of breast cancer and a melanoma in one week, is facing a new health battle two years into her recovery.
But the local celebrity who toured the world in early 2000 promoting the city, has responded by planning a concert to help lift the spirits of fellow cancer survivors as she starts treatments.
“I now realise that was a mistake,” she told the Bulletin.
Her most recent breast cancer was caught early — it is level three — and she remains grateful for the excellent medical care from the Coast’s public health system.
“I’ve been so fortunate with the care I’ve received over the last two years from dedicated doctors at our hospitals who have kept a constant check on my condition,” Ms Burrows said.
“The concern with my cancer is that I had two cancers at exactly the same time — so they are likely to keep an eye on me and hope that all those suffering from cancer get to the five-year mark with no recurrence.”
Ms Burrows recently underwent surgery at Robina Hospital and is to start radiation therapy early next month. Her focus is organising a “Cancer concert —Music Heals” event.
She says a line-up of Aussie rock legends including Brian Cadd, Brian Mannix and Digger Revell along popular local songstress Lily Budiassa are backing her.
“I have learned that a significant number of individuals experience recurrence, and throughout my journey I have encountered countless inspiring people whose strength and positivity have profoundly impacted me,” Ms Burrows said.
“The courage I’ve witnessed in the hospitals here on the Gold Coast is truly remarkable.
“Recently I met a lady — at the front of our hospital — who had liver cancer and she introduced me to her husband who had melanoma and then her daughter who picked them up had lymphoma. It was quite shocking but their attitude was inspiring.”
Ms Burrows had been driven to appointments by her musician friend Anthony Brannagan encouraging her to enjoy music and buy a ukulele.
“My diagnosis is not looking very good but I’ve learnt to stay in the moment and enjoy every moment we have. I suppose if there’s one gift of cancer it is that it teaches you to not miss a moment, to really be grateful for the good things,” she said.
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