Charmaine Elsum

A beautiful and amazing lady, Charmaine Elsum passed away on the 6^th September 2013.

Charmaine will be remembered for her kindness, strength, courage and generosity and will be remain an inspiration to all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy to Anne, Justin, Jemma, June, Rob & Jeff.

Thank you to Charmaine’s family, friends & colleagues for your continued support of Cancer Support WA & the You are Beautiful Campaign. Donations to the You are Beautiful campaign go towards providing vital support services and programs to WA families living with cancer.

Below is Charmaine’s Story, she authored before her passing. Rest In Peace Charmaine, you will forever be in our hearts and thoughts and will remain an inspiration to us all.

Cancer Support WA

My Story

Hello everyone and thank you for your support.

I am a 48 year old mother of two children, Justin aged 18 and Jemma aged 15.  I have been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Metastatic Thymic Cancer (Stage 4) as well as Myasthenia Gravis (a neuromuscular disorder linked to this cancer, where the immune system starts to attack healthy tissues in the body).

It feels somewhat daunting to present my personal journey in such a public way, as I feel extremely humbled by what others have had to endure with their journey and experiences of living with cancer and many other illnesses.

I decided to participate in the “You Are Beautiful Fundraising Campaign” because I truly believe in the work done by the Cancer Support Association, it’s aims and endeavours to assist and support cancer sufferers, survivors, their carers’, family and friends, at the “grassroots” of where help is needed most.  It is also an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the artistic visions, dedication and support of Robbie Merritt, Panther Graphics and many of the sponsors involved in this event.

If we feel passionately about something, we need to have the strength to step out of our comfort zone and make a stance for that positive worthwhile cause.

My Journey….

My initial diagnosis with cancer began in January 2010, when the symptoms of a neuromuscular disorder called Myasthenia Gravis (MG) namely intense fatigue, weakness in breathing, problems swallowing, speaking and weakness of eye muscles initially became evident. I was referred to a Neurologist for this diagnosis, and CT scans taken of my chest, showed growth of a large tumour (Thymoma) behind my sternum, and I was to have surgery (Median Sternotomy) within three weeks.

Everything seemed to be happening so quickly and I had no opportunity to really let it all sink in.  My main concern was to stay centred and strong for my children, and not to make their life any more stressful than what they had recently been through.

I had just gone through a divorce of my 22 year marriage a few months prior to this diagnosis, and my children and I were still coming to terms with the physical, mental and emotional trauma involved with the entire process of a family separation.  It was important for us to practice a mindset to take each day at a time.

Unfortunately the surgery revealed that a part of the tumour around my Phrenic Nerve and diaphragm could not be removed. However, the initial Biopsy results indicated that the tumour was Benign.

I gradually returned to work a couple of months later to a job I found so rewarding and enriching, which helped me distract from my own health and personal  issues by helping those in need, and in a worse state of health.

In July 2011, symptoms of fatigue and breathing difficulties increased, and further MRI scans as taken by my surgeon, revealed most of my left lung was filled with fluid, and some evidence of cancer around my plural cavity and Mediastinal area of my chest.

I underwent a surgical procedure of a VATS Pleurodesis. The biopsy results showed that the original cancer had metastasised to Stage 4 and was inoperable. 

I was then referred to my Oncologist who advised that my prognosis was poor (approx. 1-2 years) and I underwent Palliative Chemotherapy in October 2011.  This proved only partially affective.  I struggled a bit with the effects of Chemo, from stages of losing all my hair, to lack of physical and emotional strength, and memory recall. 

The cancer continues to progress but not in an accelerated rate at this stage.  What keeps me going most is that I am determined not to let a terminal diagnosis affect the needs of my children. It’s so important not to give up and live a full and meaningful life.

At the moment it’s basically a “wait-and-see” approach, attending to any symptomatic reactions and to maintain my lifespan as long as possible.  I trust my Oncologist that he weighs up the benefits verses the side effects of chemo on the quality of my life.

As with many who are affected with cancer, the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, place us on a rollercoaster ride with our emotions.  I have had many moments of melt-downs, but fortunately they don’t last long.  My family and friends constantly rally around and keep me laughing when I need it most.

The help and support that my children and I receive from my dear family and friends, makes me forever grateful.  The constant kindness, love, care and friendship given by my beautiful friends’ (even to this date) is just so amazing. Even the support from my children’s High School was immense, while my son was completing his final years there.

I am so proud of my two wonderful children and how they have handled all the changes and challenges in their home environment.  They are my driving strength and they mean the world to me.

I also feel incredibly fortunate to have met someone very special, faithful, loviing and caring, who has a beautiful soul, and has been there for me and helped me through this journey with cancer…..my current partner Jeff.

Meanwhile I shall try to stay calm, centred and positive for a better outlook, while continuing my efforts with pilates, meditation and adopting a wellness approach to cancer with the much appreciated guidance and support from CSWA and my medical specialists, as well as surrounding myself with my loving family and friends.

Thank you,

Charmaine Elsum