Cancer and Me - My Story
I never imagined I would be writing this story, but life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. In April 2015, at 42 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a moment that changed everything.
It started with a lump I found myself. It didn’t feel quite right, and though I tried to brush off the worry, something in me knew I had to get it checked. The day I heard the words "it's cancer" will stay with me forever. My world tilted on its axis, and suddenly, everything else faded into the background.
The next few months were a whirlwind of tests, scans, and difficult conversations. My treatment plan included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I had always been strong and independent, but this was a whole new level of resilience I had to find within myself.
Chemotherapy was brutal. I lost my hair, my energy, and at times, my sense of self. But I also found something unexpected: an incredible support system. My family, friends, and even people I barely knew showed up in ways I could never have imagined. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone, even on my darkest days.
Radiation came next, and with it, a different kind of exhaustion. But I kept going, focusing on one step at a time. Movement became my medicine—gentle yoga, walks, anything that kept me connected to my body in a positive way. It wasn’t about pushing through; it was about listening, being kind to myself, and allowing healing to happen in its own time.
When treatment ended, I expected to feel relief, but instead, I felt lost. The safety net of constant medical care was gone, and I had to navigate what life looked like after cancer. It took time, patience, and a lot of self-discovery to rebuild my strength, physically and mentally.
Yoga played a huge role in my recovery. It helped me reconnect with myself, regain trust in my body, and find moments of peace amid the chaos. That’s when I knew I wanted to help others do the same. My journey led me to becoming a yoga instructor, specializing in supporting people through all stages of life, including illness, recovery, and aging gracefully.
Cancer changed me, but it didn’t break me. If anything, it showed me what truly matters—health, connection, and embracing every moment. Now, I use my experience to support others, reminding them that even in the toughest times, we are stronger than we think.
If you’re reading this and facing your own challenge, know that you’re not alone. There is strength in vulnerability, power in movement, and healing in community. And sometimes, the hardest journeys lead us to the most unexpected and beautiful places.
My Wig from Roches.ie
The day of the Big Shave
Halfway through getting my head shaved. A surreal day.