Introducing Nadine
Nadine was diagnosed in January 2017, just 10 days after delivering her twin boys at 35 weeks. She’d had recurring chest and pneumonia and had been coughing up blood for 3 months prior resulting in being in and out of hospital since 30 weeks pregnant. All of this was put down to the pressure of a twin pregnancy.
Nadine is a busy mum and home-maker and has recently taken on a part-time job.
“Life is nuts but I like to keep busy, it keeps me sane.”
Nadine reveals that like many of us, she has good days and bad days.
“Or should I say good periods and bad periods as sometimes either can last a while. I’d say 5 days out of 7 I’m doing well. I find for me personally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well and trying to exercise daily, to my ability, are key.”
Nadine admits that some days are terrible and she struggles to get out of bed with the pain. But when the anxiety and fear get too much, she really tries to focus her energy on not letting it take over and ruin her precious time.
Nadine says cancer hasn’t impacted her life too much.
“Sometimes I think to myself, I’m walking around doing all this stuff and I’ve got cancer, it’s nuts!”
Five years ago, upon diagnosis, things seemed so terrible but now Nadine admits to doing the school run like nothing is wrong.
Her advice for the newly diagnosed is to stay positive and to always self-advocate.
Nadine admits her children know nothing of her cancer, insisting she’s just ‘mummy.’
“Sometimes I’m tired, or sick or worse, I have to go in to hospital a lot but they understand. Even when I lost my hair they never really asked why until it had grown back. They don’t bat an eyelid and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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