24 Sept 10: We are sad to report that one of our Wonder Women, Nola Tonks, has lost her long battle with cancer and passed away on the 23 Sept 10. As you can see by the articles we've done on Nola in previous years, she showed an amazing fighting spirit despite being affected by cancer. Nola was a legend in South Island and NZ bodybuilding and competed at South Island Champs and Nationals for more than 6 years during her battle with cancer. She last competed at the NZFBB South Island Champs in 09. We will miss you and your fighting spirit. In tribute to Nola, the IFBB South Island Champs this Saturday 25 Sept, will award "a most promising athlete award". |
This time it is unoperational but chemotherapy seems to be working for some of the cancer, at her last CT scan(Jan09) another leison has appeared in my sterum.
Nola said "I am still determined to compete later this year, but the chemo steriods have made me balloon up several more kilos and earlier treatment was making me very ill, we now have that under control and have last chemo treatment for this cycle next monday. After next CT scan early next month will determine where to next. "
We wish Nola all the best in her current battle and we know that she'll beat it once again.
Go Nola, we're with you!!!
Feb 09
Nola Tonks. Inspirational Figure, July 04 We all know how tough preparing for a bodybuilding competition is but imagine if you also have to battle the physical and mental challenges of dealing with breast cancer. For the past 6 moths Nola Tonks of Timaru has had a very 'personal and frigile' time since she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy in March. At present she's undergoing chemotherapy treatment but that has not stopped her from her passion for competitive bodybuilding. Rather than dwelling on her illness, Nola is channelling her energy to train for the Masters Physique Class at the South Island Champs in October. |
Dealing with Cancer
Has being fit helped helped you deal with your illness?
Yes definitely being fit has helped immensely in my recovery. I still have some down days and some very down days especially when my white blood count are too low, these need to be at a certain level before chemotherapy can take place and basically the only way to improve them is by rest.
Rest is not only benefited with such a illness but also very necessary when bodybuilding, growth cannot happen without sufficient rest.
Physically - having reasonable muscle mass continues to helps to burn excess calories that you may consume. Personally I find that I could handle the smell of protein powders and chicken cooking and even found it harder to eat at times and there are not many interesting alternatives when you donot feel like food at the best of times while trying to keep with your bodybuilders diet but I have done it so it can be achieved.I totally enjoy cottage cheese now.
Mentally- Sure can be a challenge some days.Focus I think is a better word, keeping your goals in sight, having a goal. I truly believe that has helped me more than anything.
I was preparing for the Australssians (I had been chosen to represent N.Z a dream of mine ) when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and would have to have surgery a.s.a.p (only had 5 weeks to go) and would be having chemotherapy as soon as I had healed.
This was an absolute shattering news ,not only to be told I have cancer but to be told to cancel my biggest dream in the world. But I was telling myself get over it girl ,you have a husband and family that love you and want you around for a long time yet and it has taken 11 years to be chosen for a team, try again for next year and be even better.
It's like you feel desperately hungry for something very sinful when dieting, have a little bit and
GET OVER IT don't go without as this is what you to have a pig out and blow it.
GET OVER IT is favorite saying of mine. This is how I felt.
What has been the effect on your Energy levels?
Very up and down. With having a reasonably physical job and doing
early morning cardio, training and also coping with the effects of chemotherapy, many days there
is not much left at the end of a good day but having a wonderful husband whom helps considerably
around home and who is also training to compete in October (South Island Champs) I -We cope.
Has these Challenges made you tougher?
No, not really I have always been tough and determined, maybe a little more satisfied
with what I've got. Possibly more willing to reach out, express myself.
I've always been the little lady with the big boys in the weight area of the gym,
and never naddy pansy around there.
What have you learned from your illness? It can happen to any one, to listen to your body.If you don't feel healthy if you body feels out of gig get it checked out. I was lucky my lump was contained in my breast tissue, possibly because of my low body fat it had not ulcerated into my breast muscle or my skin, and even though it was a grade 3 cancer not
not spread to any lymph nodes ,the surgeon
removed 11 nodes to make sure.
Effect on my life.There is a awesome amount of support around you for any challenge in your life. And life does go on, it doesn't need to change too dramatically.
Hell I'm without a breast, so what my husband and children still love me for who I am.
It's what you are and have anyways been that matters. And eventually I may have implants not reconstruction as they use muscle for this, but I'm still me, what ever we decide to do in the future.
We laugh as my prosthesis is presently bigger than my natural breast (diet boobs).
What advice would you give others who maybe going through their own challenges?
It's about coping, it all depends on your present situation.
Do not give up, remember most challenges not only effect you, they effect everyone else around you. There's basically no easy way but there are ways around the most difficult of situations.
Seek out information, from people, books.There is help out there and a majority of the time it's
from people whom you would not imagine.
And the caring people, I have had some absolute wonderful things said to me recently and these
small but memorable words have made a tremendous impact on me emotionally.
You need to look deep into your self, and decide if you need to change certain areas of your life.
No harm can be done in improving who you are. Take small chances,quietly and calmly,
they lead up to big improvements in the end.
July 04