Thinking about your experience with sarcoma, what has been a significant moment or a particular source of strength that has helped you persevere through challenges?

Both prior, during and post treatment – dancing, listening to music and faith has been a big part of me. Sometimes it’s not until you look back on it – you realise you may of found things that brought you joy in the midst of that stormy season.

If you could share one piece of advice or a message of hope with someone who has just been diagnosed with sarcoma, what would it be?

A vital lesson I learned early on was to leave “Dr. Google” out of the equation. This decision was mainly to preserve my sanity and to avoid getting caught up in doomsday thoughts. I didn’t deny my reality; rather, I felt it was more beneficial to connect with people who had lived experiences similar to mine. Since my type of cancer was rare, I found a support group based in the USA that was incredibly supportive in addressing some of the side effects from my medication. Additionally, I asked my oncologist many questions, evaluated my lifestyle, and made necessary changes. This included leaving a job I had loved for 15 years because it was a stressful role, and I was determined to reduce stress wherever possible.

Beyond medical treatments, what have you found most valuable in maintaining your well-being and resilience throughout your journey?

As strange as it may sound, I surrounded myself with humor and people who made me laugh. From the very beginning, I was incredibly fortunate to have such individuals in my life. I also made a point to avoid those who viewed my situation as a death sentence; their sympathy was palpable, and early on, I decided that this was not going to be my fate. I was lucky to have a supportive whanau that brought a lot of laughter into my life. One of my fondest memories from my recovery after the operation is having family with me while we watched Ricky Gervais DVDs. He even made jokes about cancer!

In what ways has your experience with sarcoma, despite its difficulties, reshaped your outlook on life, and what positive lessons or perspectives have you gained?

I understand that we all have our own ways of coping, and for me, compartmentalising my thoughts has been an effective strategy. If you’re feeling the need to make changes in your lifestyle, know that it’s completely okay to do so. Surrounding yourself with people who love and support you can make this journey much easier. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and taking steps toward positive change is a brave and important decision.

I do have a prosthetic in my shoulder in replacement from the sarcoma which has been a learning journey for me over the years physically and emotionally. Coming from a person who was a dancer prior to having cancer, to then recovering and finding herself again, to eventually giving it a go again despite my new differences. It has led me to many amazing opportunities since then.

Even though I had my humerus and rotator cuff taken out and cannot lift up my shoulder fully, that didn’t stop me from doing things. Eventually, with a bit of a push from others, I gave it a go again, and that’s when it led me to amazing opportunities from performing again, to recently teaching and becoming a dance artist. You always learn something new about yourself post cancer life and learn how to move your body and control differently etc.