How cold caps gave Kerri control

Kerri Pinna was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer on the 7^th of March 2018. The days after Kerri’s diagnosis were filled with a series of appointments, consults and a mountain of information to take in.

“I was frozen when I was told, especially when it was metastatic. Your world just comes to a stop, you don’t know what to think. But I just wanted to get on and try and get through it,” Kerri said.

After a lumpectomy, her post-operation results found the margins weren’t clear and a PET-CT scan found a number of cancerous spots on her spine. She was then referred to Icon Wesley where she would start chemotherapy once a week.

“So many people, be it friends or colleagues, they all came out to support a wonderful cause. It was really overwhelming.”

Kerri and her husband decided to dedicate the $30 000 raised towards purchasing a second cold cap machine for Icon Wesley, helping other people with cancer to reduce hair loss and feel a little more normal during treatment.

“Because I was going through it and know how it feels, I wanted to help other people with breast cancer.”

An additional scalp cooling system means that Icon Wesley will be able to provide this service to between 20 and 40 people each week.

Of her chemotherapy treatment, Kerri feels she was very fortunate.

She also credits exercising for getting her through difficult times during cancer treatment.

“It definitely helps. Exercise gives you more energy and more confidence. You just generally feel better within yourself. It’s that emotional.”

Unfortunately, in the same month that Kerri found out she was in remission, Kerri’s husband was sadly diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Despite the new journey they now face together, Kerri remains strong.

“All the emotions flooded back but we soldiered on together. Sometimes you start to get a little ahead of yourself.”

“But we take each situation as it comes, no matter what, we are in this together.”