From Cancer to Healing: A Journey into Lymphatic Therapy & Recovery
My journey began in my mid-forties when my life changed unexpectedly.After a routine breast screen I was called back for further tests. I had been called back before, so I tried not to worry — but this time the words were very different. I was told it looked like an aggressive cancer. Not words anyone wants to hear.
What followed was a year of treatment: surgery, a lumpectomy, lymph node removal, chemotherapy, radiation, and later a hysterectomy. My goal through it all was simple — I wanted to be finished with treatment by Christmas so I could swim again. Being told I was in remission and allowed to swim on Christmas Day was one of the most joyful moments of my life.
But as the new year began, I started experiencing pain throughout my body in a way I had never felt before — through my back, hips and neck. My arm became extremely swollen and heavy, something I later learned was lymphoedema. It honestly felt like I had been hit by a truck. 
Before cancer I had never experienced ongoing pain, and suddenly I found myself trying many different therapies — massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic care and scar therapy — sometimes five treatments a week. It was exhausting and expensive, but I was searching for answers.
I began learning how profoundly the lymphatic system, scar tissue and fascia can affect the whole body. Even small changes in the body’s structure can create tension and dysfunction in places we don’t expect.
Although this journey was incredibly challenging, it also became a turning point. I realised I wanted to understand what was happening in my body and learn how to help myself.
My husband was incredibly supportive during this time, even though we both sometimes felt unsure about what to do next. Eventually I decided to do something that surprised many people — I enrolled in massage training while I was still recovering.
I started with an intensive week studying Hawaiian Kahuna massage. To my surprise, I felt stronger afterwards and realised I could keep learning. That experience gave me the confidence to enrol in college and complete my diploma in Remedial Therapy.
During my studies I asked endless questions. I wanted to understand everything — how the body heals, how fascia and the nervous system interact, and why certain treatments helped more than others. I began continuing my education through postgraduate training while still studying, searching for approaches that truly made a difference.
Everything I have learned began with the simple goal of helping my own body recover. Today I feel incredibly grateful that the knowledge gained through that journey has allowed me to support so many others. From April I will be offering Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy to provide more specialised support for people recovering from cancer, surgery, lymphoedema and lipoedema.
My work integrates remedial therapy, lymphatic drainage, fascial counterstrain and myoskeletal techniques & Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy to help people reduce pain, restore movement and support their body’s natural healing processes.
