I want to live.

I never thought I would be here–writing this, asking for help, and preparing to fight for my life. This page is not something I would have created on my own. In fact, I was–and still am–hesitant to ask for help in this way. This has been driven by my sister, Kirsten, who has stepped in with love, urgency, and determination to support me and my family through what lies ahead. She is managing this page so that I can focus on my health, treatment, and my family during this incredibly difficult time.

In October last year, I found a lump in my breast. I went to my GP, and she referred me for a mammogram. After the scans, I was called in to wait for the radiologist. When she came in, she smiled and said the words I clung to: “It’s just a simple cyst. You’re fine. Come back in six months.” Relief doesn’t even begin to describe what I felt. I went home believing it was nothing. I avoided anything cancer-related and convinced myself this was just part of getting older. I did everything I thought might help–supplements, home remedies–trying to manage what I believed w...