Five years ago, in February 2019, I received the final cycle of ‘potion’ (more commonly known in the medical world as chemotherapy!) after a gruelling 6 months.

I was also given the amazing news (officially) on February 14th, that I had No Evidence of Disease. My wonderful oncology nurse, Charlie Durrant, had taken the time to call me before my appointment with the consultant to share this with me 💖

Six weeks before ‘potion’ I underwent major surgery - the first of its kind at Ipswich Hospital - lead my truly amazing consultant, Mr Arshad Malik, and my dream team. Always and forever so grateful for their care.

Still am in NED. 💫💛💫

I was diagnosed a week after my 39th Birthday with stage 3 bowel cancer which had spread to numerous lymph nodes. It was close to spreading to other organs and I am grateful every day that I was diagnosed when I was.

A diagnosis a month or two later would have been very different and had a very different outcome. The statistics would mean I wouldn’t be alive now.

Now - I am living, laughing and loving life everyday with No Evidence of Disease with my beautiful little family.

I was supported by so many amazing people - my dream team at Ipswich Hospital, Charlie my Oncology nurse specialist, family, friends and Cancer Support Suffolk.

My challenge to cold dip or swim every day in February is to raise money so that the support of ‘Cancer Support Suffolk’ can continue for others and the foundation can continue to grow.

‘Cancer Support Suffolk’ provided me with a safe space out of the medical environment and constant hospital visits. I was able to choose from a range of complimentary therapies to support my healing. I received counselling, which was invaluable in navigating the emotional and physical overwhelm through cancering and after. All of this provided and funded by ‘Cancer Care Suffolk’.

I am working closely with ‘Cancer Care Suffolk’ and am very much looking forward to joining the team as an Ambassador. I hope my experiences and openness can support others as they navigate cancering.

A diagnosis doesn’t have to define us which is why I use the verb ‘cancering’.

Despite moments, times, days when I felt as though I was in the middle of hell, when brighter moments, times and days came they helped me through the darker times.

Any donation, however large 🙊 goes a long way to making a huge difference.

💛

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.