Breast cancer survivor Dee Elferink has found an unexpected lifeline through the Victor Dragons, a regional dragon boat club that has been a source of strength from her remission to her latest diagnosis.
The South Coast resident first discovered a lump in her right breast in 2022. After ignoring it for a few weeks, she went for a mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Following surgery and radiation, Dee joined the Victor Dragons and competed in some races with the team.
In early 2023, however, Dee faced a new challenge with the discovery of two large, aggressive tumours in her left breast. This time, her treatment involved surgery, seven to eight months of chemotherapy, and further radiation.
Reflecting on her journey with ARN’s Jennie Lenman during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dee expressed deep gratitude for the support of her dragon boating community.
“I couldn’t paddle for a while after surgery but I tell you what they made me feel like I was still part of the race team, they still made me feel like I was still in the boat. I was having chemotherapy every Thursday and I’d start getting text messages on Wednesdays to wish me luck and Thursdays they’d be checking in… They dragged me for coffees and things like that,” Dee told ARN’s Jennie Lenman.
Dee encourages everyone, especially women over 40, to take advantage of regular check-ups at Breast Screen SA and to see a doctor if anything feels off.
“The free mammograms take just 10 minutes. It’s a little squashy, but it doesn’t hurt that much—and it’s worth it. Right now, 60 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every single day, but if it’s caught early, survival rates are over 90%,” Dee said.
Throughout her cancer journey, Dee has also channeled her creativity, writing A Margarita Memoir, a playful and slightly cheeky exploration of the history of the famous cocktail.
Join the Victor Dragons!
For those interested in trying dragon boating, the Victor Dragons host “Come N Try” sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays at 9:15 a.m., and Fridays at 5 p.m. during the warmer months. People of all ages (10 and up) are welcome; for more details, contact Club President Morag Craig at 0409 692 240 or Coach Bron Bowen at 0422 776 332.
The club is also hosting a fundraising Quiz Night on Friday, November 29 at 7 p.m. at the Victor Harbor Recreation Centre.
