At camp last night a lady by the name of Ronnie, from Adelaide, wanted to share her story with us and is happy for it to be printed.  Ronnie's Mum had a premonition that Ronnie had a problem and encouraged her to have tests.  As a result of these tests, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast before she was 40 which was subsequently removed and then the second breast was removed a couple of years later to prevent further spread of the cancer.  Ronnie is a positive person and hopes that her message will help other ladies in the future.  After 10 years, she considers herself a cancer survivor.  Her message to others is:

• Regular self examination
• Have regular checkups with bi-annual mammograms.  Even is these are slightly uncomfortable, it is worth it in the llong run.
• Cancer has no age barrier.
• If diagnosed, be positive, always hope for the best.
• If you don't feel happy with your doctor or feel that he is not saying the right thing, have the confidence to change to a doctor with whom you feel confident.

Losing a breast or both can be traumatic, but with the encouragement and support of her husband, family and friends as well as her positive attitude, life continues to go well for Ronnie.

 

We thank Ronnie for sharing her experiences with us and we wish her well for her future health and happiness.

 

Ron was due to have a radio interview with Mt Isa ABC, so waiting for the correct time for this to happen, we all enjoyed a bit of relaxation and luxury, drinking coffee and eating delicious cheesecake at a lovely venue.  The interview with Vicki Wilson went extremely well.

 

Many of the group made the short trip up to the Lookout which gives a panoramic view of this prosperous city.  An Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander artist by name of John Bilyarra was painting at the lookout and was happy to talk to us and show us some of his art.

 

A beautiful drive to Cloncurry through rolling hills and ranges.

 

While the tractor and the rest of the group went ahead, three of the team decided to explore the dam at the Mary Kathleen disused minesite.

Quoted from the sign at the gate to the mine

"A syndicate of eight, headed by Clem Walton, Norm McConaghy discovered this ore body on July 4, 1954.  Two days later, the leases were pegged and the deposit named Mary Kathleen in memory of the wife of Norm McConaghy.  Production was based on contracts for the sale of the uranium and in 1984 production ceased and the township auctioned off.  Even though no buildings remain, a ghost town like atmosphere makes one wonder what this flourishing community would have been like" .

 

The boys presented Dick with an 'air conditioner' for the tractor in the form of a large spray bottle filled with water!  They feel that it is economical and effective and can be sprayed intermittently to keep the driver cool!  Dick was humbled by their generosity!

 

After a refreshing swim in the caravan park pool, we all had a very enjoyable evening at the local Leichardt Hotel where we were warmly welcomed back by the owners.  During the Chamberlain 9G's Tractor Club's trip in 2006, we stayed at Cloncurry and visited the hotel.

Hotel owner, Billie, told us of her husband's suffering with advanced prostate cancer and we only wish them all the best.