I am a fighter... I saw light at the end of the tunnel



“I discovered real values. I realised how precious my life is and I am so grateful for every single day.
A month after finishing chemo I had a surgery and got all clear - cancer wasn't anywhere else in my body.” Yoga helps her deal with any reduced movement issues in her arm and hands, which developed after having lymph nodes removed.
In September of last year Radana started daily radiotherapy treatment for five -and-a-half weeks, to reduce the cancer’s chance of returning.
She also started a full time, year-long business studies course in her local community college.
“When I started college course in September I had no choice just to walk in with inch-long hair and pretend that everything is completely OK. But, doing this course was one of my best decisions ever. It really helped me to return back to 'normal' life and I made amazing friends there. It was my psychological therapy, really!” Radana’s curls are slowly growing back, she has now has a business degree, is working part-time in an accounting role that she loves.
“I am a fighter and I saw the light at the end of that tunnel. It was a long journey and has affected every single member of my family, but all I can say is that I have lost a lot, but I think I have got (sic) way more.
“It was a lesson about real values; how to be grateful for every single day; how to make the most of beautiful things; how to show emotions to everyone we love; how not to waste time with small talk and how to love your own life.
“I don't need new shoes every month anymore, I don't need to look perfect anymore, I don't need to please everyone just because what people might think!
“I became free, I also became very strong.” Her friends and family were hugely supportive; husband Martin, was her rock.
“I must say I have an amazing husband who was the one helping me to get through this with his incredible support and love. He was the one who made me to keep up, who told me I was beautiful on the days I really needed it.” While on treatment, Radana decided to participate in charity events to support cancer research and treatment once she ‘won this battle’.
“And I won, this time,” she said.
Just recently, she took part in the Cork Colour Dash 5 km.
“I jogged and walked with my close friends Margaret, Melinda and Clare and my husband Martin. Our friend for years, another Martin, ran the full 5 km.
“Even I am still not feeling strong enough to run full 5 km, it was a big thing for me. as I ran ‘my run’ and my friends ran with me, for me.
“We all got very emotional and I promised myself to run the full 5km next year.” Radana raised €140 for the Irish Cancer Society.
“Every little helps and I feel proud of being a bit helpful for someone fighting this scary disease. My kids will have a memory of their mum being a fighter. I fought for my family.”
Radana is also looking forward to taking part in the Relay for Life Midleton in August.