I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May 2007. I had a lump in my left breast, and noticed irritation, nipple discharge, redness and thickening of part of the breast.

Altogether, there were 9 visits in 11 months. I did the mammogram, scan biopsy and excision biopsy. All negative. Eleven months later — stage 3 metaplastic carcinoma. Misdiagnosed. I was told it happens in only 0.2% of cases, and that it was quite rare. I was the 1st person in Ireland to have it, and had a 50-50 chance of survival.

The news was a lot to take in, and I made sure to consult a more experienced doctor for a second opinion as well.

I felt very overwhelmed when I first heard my diagnosis. I was angry and fearful, yet perplexed and confused that it took 11 months to get diagnosed. I was also resentful, and in disbelief. I felt like I’d been let down with the misdiagnosis. I felt quite powerless, isolated and vulnerable at the time, as well as disappointed.

After my diagnosis, I made some changes to my lifestyle. I focused on improving my nutrition, managing to eat healthier three to five days a week.

Fortunately, I am now in remission and no longer require treatment. For treatment, I had my mastectomy, lymphadenectomy and reconstruction done on the same day. At the start of everything, I felt quite angry, anxious, discouraged and scared.

In total, I had 4 rounds of chemo, and 37 rounds of radiation. I also relied on hormone therapy and pain medication.

The side effects were challenging. I experienced fatigue and peripheral neuropathy. I struggled with my body image. Still, I got by with improved nutrition, prescribed medication, meditation, and swimming. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, I didn’t face any financial difficulties because of my treatment plans.

Cancer has permanently changed my lifestyle. I’ve committed to eating a healthier diet most days. I still keep in contact with my parents, but I’ve found less time to visit them nowadays.

Looking ahead, I plan to take six months of vacation each year and focus on losing weight. My biggest dreams are centered around maintaining positive thoughts and avoiding negative influences. With my loved ones, I aspire to stay together and cherish our time.

Throughout my cancer journey, my biggest fear was death. To combat this fear, I focused on simply living and embracing each day.

Now, I feel much more optimistic—confident, courageous, hopeful, inspired, and thankful.

To those currently on their own cancer journey, I would say: "Take as much time for yourself to heal, change what’s not right in your life, and get rid of what’s not."