My 3rd Cancerversary

Flash back to my 32nd birthday. A lovely night surrounded by friends, good food and a cake (pictured).

13 days before I packed up my life with my partner, to move to a new city for “forever” job. Life was good. I was looking forward to being settled. Having children. An ordinary life.

14 days before my life turned upside down. Halfway across the country, admitted to hospital for emergency surgery.  Stage 2 cancer. Infertile. Sitting with my oncologist being told I likely had five to fifteen years left to live because it was difficult to treat and there weren’t great options.

Birthday’s are hard. You feel like time is slipping through your fingers like sand. That ticking clock, in the back of your head. Cancerversaries are harder. Being so close together they remind me of what I’ve lost. Children, my career, a future.

But you know what. I still have friends. Incredible friends who wrote and sent flowers, chocolates, surprise gifts. Who called, and text and emailed. Who flew down to be at my side when I was so weak from surgery and couldn’t be on my own. An amazing husband who has stuck by me despite all the hardship. Who I love dearly, and who loves me now, which is when it most matters. Loving parents. Friends, family, parents who have helped fund research, in the hope I might have better options, and in the knowledge that whatever happens, sometime in the future their contribution will save someone’s life.

So I’m going to do my best to enjoy the next two weeks, as emotionally hard as they are. Because I’m still here. And that in itself is an achievement to be celebrated. 4 days ago my blood was drawn, today I got my 12 week abdominal injection, in 3 days I have an MRI to see if the changes, have worsened. In 4 days I speak at parliament in the hope of inspiring the government to help women with my cancer. And for now, I’m physically 80-90% of my old self. Life is different, so different than I could have ever imagined. But amongst the tragedy and disappointment is love and laughter.

And hope.

Thank you for your support.

1. The Fort Enfield

   $200.00

2. Enfield Presbyterian Church WestonWaiareka

   $770.00
   Friends from the Ludemann's local Enfield Church in support of Jane's commitment to helping others via her own courageous journey.

3. Bev & Peter Rodwell

   $1,000.00
   Supporting a local girl and family. Well done Jane we are praying for you and your wonderful cause.

4. Graham and Susan Clark

   $150.00

5. Jane and Dan Griffin

   $1,000.00
   We have been hearing about the difficulties of diagnosing ovarian cancer for a while and about the lack of publicity and funding for research this cancer receives. Hearing Jane speak on TV and radio recently was the catalyst for us to make a donation. Best wishes for your campaign.

6. Jeff and Lyn Armstrong

   $50.00

7. Bruce&Alison Albiston

   $100.00
   Neighbours who have seen the remarkable lifelong strength in adversity of Jane and her parents - Jane has our admiration for her dedication to this fight for the benefit of others.

8. Kobi German

   $50.00
   You're amazing Jane!

9. Clare de Lore

   $100.00
   Jane is a generous woman who could be forgiven for having put up the walls around her. I interviewed her for The Listener last year and it is truly humbling that, in the wake of its demise, she reached out to me with support. Kia Kaha Jane. And happy belated birthday!

10. Karen Larsen

    $50.00
    In celebration of your birthday Jane and your endeavours with Kristen for more research

11. Nora McMahon

    $25.00

12. Amy Mac

    $50.00

13. Catherine Eiswerth

    $300.00

14. Sussie and David Chin

    $250.00
    Celebrating Jane Ludemann’s 35 birthday. Hugs ? and ? May God bless you continually.

15. Hilary Corkran

    $50.00
    Love ya Jane xxx

16. Sarah Palmer

    $50.00

17. mum and dad

    $100.00
    In celebration of your strength and determination and with love.