About me and my cancer treatment story

I’m a regular person who has been through a challenging experience. I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 37 years old. I had a fun toddler, a supportive husband and family, and wonderful friends. I live in Melbourne and enjoy a great life. I work as a Learning and Development Consultant and Volleyball Coach. I have an Applied Science degree in Human Movement and a Masters of Management. I’m a retired volleyball player and I’ve always been healthy and active. I was just unlucky. Hopefully access to my story will help others.

I was diagnosed in August 2013 with cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma in situ). This was detected from a regular pap test. I then had surgery, followed by a pet scan which picked up lymph node metastases in my pelvis. In broad cancer classification terms, this is stage 3a cancer with metastasis. The next recommended cancer treatment was radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the effects of which would be infertility, early menopause and other damage to my body.

I started some complementary treatments including nutrition based changes. My husband and I also researched Next Generation Photodynamic Therapy (NGPDT), a light-based treatment available in China. After considering the hardest decision of my life and going against the recommendations of my oncologists, I chose to go ahead with the non-recommended and non-invasive treatment. I had ovarian tissue removed and went through a round of IVF as backup in case I needed radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

I kept up my exercise as much as I could the whole way through. It was really important to me and my recovery on many levels.

Two months after my NGPDT treatment (Jan 2014), I had follow up cervix tests and a PET CT scan. I received the results the following week and found out that I was cancer free! This was the ideal scenario I had hoped for and it came true. I was ecstatic. The relief and joy was overwhelming.

Another two months later I had follow up cervix tests (March 2014). They were still clear, woohoo! Whilst I was confident, it was relieving and exciting to hear the great news. I made an appointment to be tested again three months later.

The time passed quickly, however I was still anxious. In July 2014, I received clear test results again. I had more relief and freedom from the lifted heaviness of waiting and hoping. My latest follow up tests were in Jan 2017 and were still clear (over 3 years).

I am keen to tell my story to encourage dialogue about this non-invasive and for me, successful cancer treatment, with an integrated approach. I wish that there will be more collaboration within our health system and that access to the best treatments will be available in Australia.

Briony

Go on to read about my cancer diagnosis

Find information about my integrated treatment for cancer