iamstillawoman

Twenty-three years ago I was 24-years-old and pregnant with my first child.

I lost the baby in utero after I was diagnosed with a rare fatal cancer - gestational trophoblastic disease, stage 4. By the time I was diagnosed, the cancer had spread throughout my entire body. They gave me eight weeks to live. My case (number 501) was documented to assist in research.

At 43 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I chose a double mastectomy, as I have an inherited cancer gene. I have tracked six generations from the first girl born, all of whom died from a cancer- related illness. My mother was the oldest at 53.

I then had breast reconstruction surgery, a hysterectomy and oophorectomy, skin cancer surgery, knee surgery, reconstruction of reconstruction surgery and there is more still to come.

I am now a cancer activist - but by no means a cancer expert. Surviving two major cancer battles and living through my Mum's cancer have given me strength. I would like to make a difference by helping others because I know the pain and the fear of the battle.