The Incredible Kym Carter, November 2009

Standing on stage seasoned competitor Kym Carter looks the epitome of a sporting figure. She has great muscles, looks healthy and has developed a great body that won her the NABBA National Overall Figure Title in 2009.

But little did Kym show that she was (is) battling a tumour that is growing closer to her brain.

Kym might have to have more invasive surgery to get rid of the tumour but she doesn't seem scared by it. Infact she's taking it all in her stride and making light of it ' they might have to give me a flip top head ' she laughs.

How does someone laugh off such a frightening thing as a tumour and brain surgery we ask " I think bodybuilding's helped me get through it. I've always had a positive outlook on life, even before what's happening to me, which was from bodybuilding so I think having a focus and training has really helped" Kym said.

And now in her own words, Kym tells us what she's been through the past couple years. No doubt it'll give you inspiration to overcome whatever troubles are in your life to keep on training!

Well I've had an exciting year this year! well actually the last 2 years.

In April 2007, I found out I have a optic sheath meningioma - a type of tumour on my right optic nerve.

In Feb and also March 2008 I had 2 biopsy operations where they found out it was benign. Because of the position of the tumour, it was still a danger as it grew towards my brain. It was wrapped around the optive nerve, which damaged the nerve and I lost vision in my right eye about 18 months ago.

In July 2008 I was sent to Dunedin to have stereotactic radiosurgery, which made me very sick and caused alot of pain around my eye. The treatment was unsuccessful.

	In between the 2 surgeries and radiosurgery I competed in 5 comps. Winning my class and Overall Titles at NABBA Counties and Waikato. And Overall Title at the INBA Taupo. I also placed 3rd at the Pro Ams and Nationals. Adding to an already exciting year, on the 13th June I delivered my niece on the lounge floor as my sister didn't make it to the hospital! left: Kym, INBA Taupo 08
This year, 2009, on 12th May the tumour grew to become a danger to me so they had to operate and give me a craniotomy - brain surgery. It was a 10 hr operation and I as in hospital for 8 days. I had 65 staples in my head after that op. The nerves were damaged around my eye which is why my eye won't open. It took over 4 weeks till I could train after that and I had put on alot of weight and bodyfat. I got up to 26% and 72kg.
	After 4 months of cardio and weight training everyday I got down to 62kg and 13% bodyfat for my 1st show in Wellington on 10th Oct, and a futher 2more kgs and 2% bodyfat for the Nationals. I won Overalls for both of those shows. A great achievement for me and a dream come true to win the Nationals. left: Kym with Lisa, one of many positive people in her life!
I guess the key to going through the trauma, like I have, is to stay focused have a great attitude to life and be around positive people - always! I may have to have more intense surgery next year. Oh well, onwards and upwards! Kym Carter 5 Nov 09
NABBA Nationals 2nd Eve, 3rd Lisa B, 1st Kym

The Incredible Kym Carter, November 2009

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