Jenny
“Being a woman to me means being free to make my own decisions.”
Jenny has overcome exceptional challenges but continues to navigate through life with a positive mind, remarkable strength and an appreciation for the little things. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
J: My name is Jenny Moore-Carter, I’m a 46 year old wife and mum of two. I’m a friend, a daughter, a sister and a teacher.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
J: I am a very focussed person, I like everything to be in order and a certain way. I don’t like leaving things incomplete, thus I’m very organised in my work and home life. I don’t have a huge circle of friends, the ones I do have are very dear to me and are like family.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
J: In September of 2017 I was diagnosed with Lymphoma after being ill on and off for the past several years.
During this time I went from a busy, health conscience, outgoing mother and wife to someone who couldn’t even have a shower without lying down afterwards, I couldn’t walk to the kitchen without resting or go shopping without a wheelchair. I lost a huge amount of weight and all my hair but never did I lose hope.
I was diagnosed with Plasma blastic Lymphoma in September of 2017, obviously it changed my world but not for the worse - in fact it was for the better.
Cancer was my worst fear. I’d often said to my husband if I got it I wouldn’t do chemotherapy, it just sounded horrible! Well when that is the only choice you have to survive, believe me you don’t think twice…you just do it!
I guess for me the chemo wasn’t quite so daunting as I’d had emergency surgery just weeks before to fix my blocked bowel - due to the cancer - and woken up from that with a stoma bag. That was the single worst moment of my life. I was disgusted, embarrassed and couldn’t come to terms with the fact that this had happened to me. It literally felt like a living nightmare.
However, as time went by I learned to live with it and it just became part of everyday life. The bigger challenges of chemo and having to stay in hospital for weeks at a time away from my husband and kids was gutting - for all of us. But it changed my life, I now see the good in everyday and I value my friends and family more.
Cancer also brought me the best friend I have ever had so I’m actually quite grateful.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
J: My favourite thing about myself is my positivity. Cancer taught me to always look for the good things, even if it’s only something small like having time to read or go for a walk.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
J: I would tell my younger self to be happy, don’t worry about silly things like housework and what other people think about you. Just enjoy every day and be happy! And love yourself because you are beautiful.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
J: Being a woman to me means being free to make my own decisions, being a role model for my daughter and the kids I teach, being a loving and dependable wife, daughter and friend.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
J: I’m not inspired by any one woman in particular - I’m inspired by any woman who has fought for her life and fought to change her life for the better, as these things are so difficult to do.
I no longer have fears as I have stared death in the face numerous times over the last few years. Now I know I’m up to any challenge that comes my way. Life is good!