Finding strength after breast cancer diagnosis3 min read
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In December 2014, Darien Pearce from Onehunga received reassuring news that her annual mammogram showed no signs of cancer. But her world came crashing down seven months later after she discovered a lump, and a ultrasound confirmed her fears: a 4cm lump was found in her left breast.
A biopsy confirmed the devastating news – Darien had breast cancer. An MRI revealed another 8mm lump, and a mastectomy was the next step, followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy and a year of Herceptin treatment.
“I was absolutely devastated when being told I had breast cancer,” says Darien. “My world fell out from under me.”
But with the support of her family, workplace, and friends, she persevered. Darien’s positive outlook helped her cope through the most challenging moments.
Before her mastectomy, she took a moment to say goodbye to her breast. “On the morning of the operation, I told my breast that I loved it and thanked it for being part of my life, but it had to go for me to survive.”
Six weeks later, she started chemotherapy. “I was told I would definitely lose my hair, so just short of looking like Gollum from Lord of the Rings, I shaved my head and donned a wig,” she laughs, referring to herself as Twiggy with the wig on, and Bert without it.
Throughout the journey, Darien realised the importance of staying active. Even during chemotherapy, she walked for 20 minutes every day.
In October 2016, Darien attended the Pink Ribbon Walk, where a flier for a Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat team caught her attention. Despite never being a sporty person, she was intrigued and decided to give it a try. Nervous but curious, Darien arrived at Westhaven in the rain, for the Give It A Go Day with the Busting With Life Dragon Boat Team.
“Once I started paddling, it felt like a complete mindfulness session. For that hour, all I could think about was keeping in time. It was bliss for my mind, even though my body definitely felt it the next day.”
From that moment, Darien was hooked. She returned to training the next day and never looked back. Now, eight seasons in, she’s the team’s ‘stroke’, setting the pace for the rest of the boat.
“Dragon boating has helped me regain my strength, physically and mentally.”
Through hard work and dedication, she’s helped lead her team to numerous victories, including regional and national medals, and even silver and bronze at the 2017 World Masters. Darien was also selected to represent Auckland in the Senior B team at Nationals, and for the past two years, she’s competed with the Auckland Senior C team, where they’ve won gold.
For Darien, dragon boating isn’t just about the sport. “I’ve managed to get fitter and stronger, but what really keeps me coming back is the team. We’re all breast cancer survivors, and we’ve all been through similar journeys. It’s a fantastic support system too.”
As the Busting With Life team gears up for their 2024-2025 season, they’re looking for breast cancer survivors to join their ranks.
For more information, visit bustingwithlife.org.nz or reach out via email at infobwl96@gmail.com.
Non-breast cancer survivors can join the Auckland Dragon Boat Association too. Email: secretary@adba.co.nz.
