Cancer snuk into my world at the age of 16 when I was diagnosed with non-hodgkins b-cell lymphoma in my chest cavity. 10 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy and a new GI Jane hairdo later, and I was thankfully in remission…

Fast forward 17 years and I received my 2nd cancer diagnosis, this time stage 2 estrogen receptive breast cancer in my right breast.

A unilateral mastectomy, immediate reconstruction, 6 cycles of TC chemotherapy and I was once again in remission.

But, that wasn’t to be the last time I’d hear the dreaded words: it’s cancer.

Since then it’s recurred another 5 times metastasising to my liver, and most recently my scapula. Numerous chemo and radiation cycles, 2 liver resections, right kidney removal, medical menopause and the list goes on and on…

Through the years I’ve come to accept that cancer and doctors visits, blood tests, scans and treatment will always be part of my world. But it certainly doesn’t stop me from being a mommy, partner, career woman, or social butterfly. I grab every opportunity that comes my way with both hands, and make the most of whatever life throws at me. Because, after all, attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure!

I’ve learnt to embrace my scars and love myself the way I am. I now share my story in the hopes that it’ll inspire and motivate others to persevere on their own journeys, and prove to everyone that there definitely is life during, and after cancer.

If anything, my cancer has given me the courage to be ME!!