Kristen Knight was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July 2023. She can’t help but wonder if that’s what her mum died from.
Kristen, who also has chronic blood cancer, says that breast cancer treatment is worse.
“The second part of the treatment was the worst for me,” she says.
Kristen suffered from neuropathy so severe that she could barely walk to the bathroom.
“I couldn’t drive for eighteen months and my fingernails and toenails rotted, some coming off,” she says.
When she had a mastectomy on Valentine’s Day 2024, Kristen says, “I was wearing love heart pyjamas – I’ll never forget it.”
Despite having the chemo, she still had a small tumour in her chest. This meant that after surgery she needed another six months of oral chemo.
This additional treatment caused more neuropathy.
“It was like the bottom of my feet were very badly sunburnt,” says Kristen.
She also had rapid eyesight deterioration.
“This is when Sleapy’s stepped in,” says Kristen.
“My eyesight was so bad I couldn’t distinguish faces any more. I am on a limited income but I desperately needed new glasses. With one phone call, Sleapy’s had paid for them that afternoon,” says Kristen.
“I got my sight back – that was the thing I missed the most,” says Kristen.
They also helped out by paying two electricity bills, car insurance and funded some creams and dressings that weren’t covered by the PBS.
“I haven’t got a prosthesis for my breast yet but, when I do, they’ve said they will help out with that too,” says Kristen.
Today, Kristen is twelve months post-treatment. She is still taking daily oral treatment for her blood cancer.
“I finally got to go to Sleapy’s Day this year. My son, Luke, plays first grade for the Maitland Pickers. I was able to go to the presentation day and give the boys their jerseys.
“I was so happy to be there. A lot of the players donate their game fees to Sleapy’s and I wanted them to know what they’re contributing to. I also wanted to tell them that watching their games gave me something to look forward to. It got me out and I got some sunshine,” says Kristen.
“Going forward, I want to volunteer with Sleapy’s. They came in when I ready needed it and this is my way of giving back.”
Kristen is forever grateful to Sleapy’s Foundation and the Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club.