Battle hardened to beat cancer

By Kelly Yates
A BERWICK mother who is going through cancer treatment after being diagnosed with lymphoma last year is taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave.
Karina Carrel said it was “devastating” when doctors discovered she had two tumours in her chest and lung, one the size of a fist and the other the size of a 50 cent piece.
“I was scared. I didn’t know how serious it was,” she said.
“But I had to be strong for my family and I immediately wanted to know what I could do to fix it. I wanted to beat it from day one.”
The 30-year-old said some of the symptoms before her diagnosis included night sweats and chills and a dry cough.
“The muscles in my back and chest felt like they were getting ripped out of my skin,” she said.
“I was in so much pain.”
The mother of three was recently given the all clear by doctors after her tumours shrunk to half their size.
“I cried when they told me the results and that I was in remission,” she said.
“My family were ecstatic and started celebrating.”
Ms Carrel has three treatments remaining and will then have regular check-ups every six months.
Ms Carrel is not only shaving her hair to raise money and awareness about cancer but also in memory of her aunt who died from leukaemia.
“I’m doing the World’s Greatest Shave for everyone who has gone through it, whether they’ve won or lost their battle,” she said.
“It will be an emotional time for me, not because of losing my hair, but because of what I’ve gone through and won. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
So far Ms Carrel has collected $645 in donations from her family and friends.
“Berwick Fields Primary School, where my kids go, is also supporting me by holding a free dress day,” she said.
“I’m hoping to raise $2000.”
For donation details visit www.worldsgreatestshav.com and search ‘Karina Carrel’.