Country singer and Getaway host Sam McClymont is back on television after a year away following her breast cancer diagnosis. Four months ago, the 39-year-old announced she was cancer-free. She then surprised fans by filming an episode of Getaway aboard a luxury cruise ship in Italy. Sharing a photo of her new short, brunette hairstyle, she wrote on social media: “We’re back, baby! What do you think of the new hair? I’m working on embracing my new self!”
Early Detection Thanks to a Second Opinion
Sam almost missed her cancer diagnosis. In October last year, she felt a lump after one of her young sons fell on her in bed. Her GP ordered an ultrasound, biopsy and mammogram, but all tests came back negative. Sam did not trust the result. She knew the lump hurt more than a typical hormonal change. Her GP had referred her to a breast specialist “just in case.” In late February, after repeat tests, she was told she had triple-negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form.
Intensive Treatment and Its Toll
Three weeks after her diagnosis in February, Sam began chemotherapy. She also had immunotherapy, a lumpectomy and 15 rounds of radiation. The treatment was brutal. Sam says, “Some nights I felt like I would throw up for 10 hours straight.” She could not get out of bed or care for her two sons, Wilder and Ali. Her husband, Australian Air Force member Ben Poxon, cared for her through every step. “He took me to every doctor. He never complained,” she recalls.
Caring for Her Young Sons
Sam consulted a McGrath breast care nurse on how to explain her illness to her sons, then aged 7 and 5. “We told them, ‘This is Mommy’s cancer and this is the medicine that will cure me. It may make my hair fall out, but it’s good medicine,’” she says. At first, the boys struggled with the change in routine and saw friends and relatives step in to help with school runs. Over time, they adjusted and fell into a new normal.
Genetic Discovery and Family Testing
During her double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery planned for January, Sam learned she carries the BRCA2 gene. This discovery allows her mother, sisters, aunt and cousins to get tested early. “It’s been a good thing for my family,” Sam says. “We can take precautions now.”
Finding Strength in Community
Sam only recently shared her full story online. “Cancer is overwhelming,” she admits. “Sometimes I didn’t have the energy to post. But I wanted to feel less alone.” She found a community of women who shared tips on coping and side-effect relief. Sam urges others not to lose faith in doctors after her misdiagnosis. “It’s rare,” she says. “But you must trust your instincts and follow up if something feels wrong.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Despite a challenging year, Sam focuses on her future. She recalls her oncologist’s words: “Give me a year and you can have 50 more good years.” She adds, “That keeps me going. I have so much life ahead of me.” Now cancer-free, Sam is eager to resume work and enjoy time with her family.
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