The C word…

I’ve dithered for ages about whether to write this post and how much to say. But I figured this blog is about the ups AND downs of my rowing life, and this subject impacts pretty heavily on that subject, so here goes. The thing is, I have to go into hospital on Monday to have a mastectomy. It’s not as dramatic as it sounds. They’re hopeful that the nasty bits are pre-cancerous (ie non-invasive) and it’s a pretty straightforward operation. It does mean, though, that I’ll be out of action for a while, and certainly off the river for the time being, which is pretty annoying. My surgeon is wonderful (can I just big up the NHS for a minute? They have been nothing short of brilliant so far) and her main aim is to get me back in a boat in as short a time as possible. Rowing was at the front and centre of our discussions and influenced the type of surgery I’m going for, and I’m super-grateful to the team for understanding – without me even having to say it – how important it is to me. So back to the sharing bit. I figured when you’re going in for a fight you want to have the baddest and strongest people in your corner, and I couldn’t think of anyone badder and stronger than the rowing massive, so there it is. Consider yourselves my support team. I can’t promise I’ll be able to answer messages, but I’ll keep you updated on how I’m doing as soon as I feel well enough. ‘Till then,

47 comments on “The C word…

  1. Laura C says:

    Lovely girl, rest up and then go for the fight, will be there for you. xx

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you, lovely girl xx

  2. Oh, love. Consider me firmly in your corner. XX

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you, angel. They don’t come stronger than you (in every way) so I am officially invincible! xxx

  3. Rachel says:

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and the last several months have read each new post and thought “That is exactly how I’m feeling right now” or “I’m dealing with that exact thing, too!” Although I am not facing the big “C,” I am currently out of rowing commission due to injury, so I’ll stick with you virtually as you rehab and hope that we both come out the other side stronger!

    1. carswellp says:

      Woohoo – let’s get well together!! XX #recoverybuddy

  4. Alison says:

    Hi lovely,
    I have faith that everything will run according to plan and you’ll be back on the water in a few short weeks, good as new.
    You are strong and this won’t get the better of you.
    In a few months, you’ll look back and be like, “Yeah, *that’s* done!”
    Sending you love and hugs.
    ?

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you so much xx

  5. Rachael Haycock says:

    The Wallingford Massive are well and truly behind you, much love, will think of you at the March Heads xx

    1. carswellp says:

      I know from experience how powerful that is (never forgotten that 15 second lead you took over us at Nat Vets!!!) I shall feel like Wonder Woman with you guys in my corner.

  6. Martha says:

    Consider me part of your support team xx

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you Martha – another strong girl on my team!!! xx

  7. Ceri says:

    Wishing you all the best xx

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you so much x

  8. Pam ball says:

    I’m in, much love , here’s to a speedy recover. See you on the water xxx

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you, Pam. The Ross girls are a force to be reckoned with so with you on my side I’ll feel super-strong xxx

  9. Nicola says:

    From all the girls on the river Exe in our gig boat “we are in your corner “ and wish you a speedy reception very and back in the boat before you know it xxx

    1. carswellp says:

      Ooh, with gig rowers in my corner I can’t go wrong! Thank you xx

  10. Penny says:

    Oh dear Girl on the River that is devastating news for you, please be assured that rowing is such a great survivor sport. (Did you know that you’re officially a Survivor straight after surgery?) As I’m sure you’ll discover we will be wishing you well and cheering on from the sidelines ready to hear of all the great adventures still to come! As a fellow survivor I think the cancer made me a better and more determined rower than before!

    1. carswellp says:

      Oh, I like the survivor title – makes me feel sassy and badass! And I’m all for making my rowing better, even if this is a bit of an extreme measure!

  11. Caz says:

    Your support team is here for you! Take all the time you need and we’ll see you on the water only when you’re ready!

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you so much! x

  12. Fiona McAnena says:

    Good luck, Girl OTR. My sculling partner, aged 48, had similar in November. All good now. You’ll soon be back in a boat. But bloody hell – all that ergo training! And for what?! Oh wait I know what. You’ll recover faster, and you’ll look forward to getting back on the ergo. Keep us posted.

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you (belatedly) Will do an update very soon x

  13. Sarah says:

    Thanks for keeping us on the journey with you! Prayers love and peace to you xxx

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you so much. Sorry for the late reply!

  14. Stephen Poole says:

    My son and I send you a massive hug ?

  15. Gilly says:

    I love your blog. Honoured to be a part of the support team. Let me know if I can be of more practical help.

  16. Dave Simmonds says:

    Twelve years ago I was treated for prostate cancer. It meant a few months off from rowing but I was back on the river before too long. Still there. Good luck, stay strong

    1. carswellp says:

      So encouraging to hear this!

  17. Sian Davies says:

    Thoughts are with you, wish you a speedy recovery and back to the club in no time.

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you! (and apologies for the late reply!)

  18. Karon Phillips says:

    That was such a brave message to write! Respect!
    Lots of love and positive thoughts around – add mine as well. Will be watching out for updates.

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you so much (belatedly) Will do an update very soon!

  19. Sheron says:

    Just think positive it helped me last year and you can still cox, That’s how I got back in the boat, If you need some one to talk to or just a coffee just send me a message love Sheron (Ross)

  20. TheTeasLady says:

    Wishing you well and a speedy recovery. You’ll be back in the boat before you know it!

  21. Victoria says:

    Lots of support flowing your way from the bottom of the South Island on the other side of the world. Looking forward to seeing you back on the water again!

  22. jen says:

    Well, crap. Wishing your surgeon/s swift and steady hands and you a speedy recovery!

    If it helps, I’m days away from getting back on the water. I was shorelined by pregnancy and a new baby–yay!–but ended 2017 with a cancer diagnosis and two surgeries of my own. From one survivor to another…you know there’s no better medicine than rowing, once you’re able.

    1. carswellp says:

      Belated thanks. Hope you’re doing well now x

  23. roger says:

    Sorry to hear about this, best wishes from the Americas for a speedy and total recovery, the river will miss you

  24. Wishing you Godspeed in your recovery!
    Stay fit and stay strong! Hey I consider a trip to Philadelphia, we’ll make you an honorary Bachelors Barge member, the oldest rowing club in U. S. since 1853! I’ll continue to follow your progress! See ya in the river! Take care!
    Andrés Carazo, MD
    Philadelphia,PA

    1. carswellp says:

      Belated thanks! x

  25. Wishing you the best and Godspeed recovery! Stay fit, stay strong! Consider a visit to Philadelphia in the near future! We would love to have you row with us as an honorary Bachelors Barge Club member, the oldest active club in boathouse row and in the U. S. since 1853! See ya in the river! I’ll follow your progress and cheer for you!

  26. Lisa says:

    Heads up and keep rowing! I know you can kick C in the A!
    A 13 year survivor!

    1. carswellp says:

      Thank you so much (belatedly!) Glad to hear you’re doing well!

  27. Jamie says:

    We have never met but through Instagram, fitness and your indoor rowing monitor times post, I wanted to say stay strong, let your rowing and mental strength help guide you with keeping your thoughts positive. Best Wishes and remember you can beat this and you will be racing again soon?

    1. carswellp says:

      Belated thanks – much appreciated!

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