Survivor marches on for cause

After discovering what she thought was a pimple on her back was actually melanoma, Sue Della’s battle with the cancer has not been an easy one.
The Binningup resident has gone from working tirelessly as an accountant to taking life day by day and it seems as though the stress-free lifestyle has worked in her favour. It has been nine years since the melanoma survivor has seen the cancer redevelop in her body.
This Sunday she will join more than 60 people for the annual Melanoma March around the Leschenault Inlet.
“I first discovered I had melanoma about nine years ago when I could not get rid of this itchy spot on my back,” Ms Della said.
“I had my husband scratching it, I tried to cut it off with a razor and even had a doctor try and burn it off.
“A few months later it popped up again and I found that it was melanoma so I had it cut out but then it metastasised and went into my neck and a year later appeared under my arm.
“There is no specific shape, colour or size, they say if it’s there today and wasn’t there yesterday, do something about it.”
After finding out she had the cancer, Ms Della joined a support group in Bunbury.
“I had never really been exposed to anybody with it so it was quite confronting,” she said.
“I decided to meet up with this support group which helped me a lot and I still meet with them once a month.
“Between us we have all sorts of melanoma and we share ideas and tips with one another and it’s quite refreshing to know you’re not alone.”
Having battled the cancer more than once, Ms Della said she became more aware of her lifestyle.
“I chose to fight it in a really natural way, pumping up the exercise, reading the ingredients in products I used.
“It really makes you think, why is this cancer growing inside of me, what’s wrong with me.”
Now retired, Ms Della spends most of her time helping out the community and travelling the world.
This weekend she will be participating in her ninth annual Melanoma March and is encouraging everyone in the community to register to walk or sponsor someone who is walking.
For more information on the event visit www.melanomamarch.org.au.
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