Libby was diagnosed at 40 with, IDC Stage 3 Grade 3. She had two surgeries, six months of chemo and 25 fractions of radiation, plus herceptin, Tamoxifen and Zoladex. She is HER2+ and ER+ 8/8. She also carries the CHEK2 mutation.

Libby is now 42. She has been in active treatment for over 18 months and will possibly be doing another year on Neratinib. She has two children and is married with a dog, four chickens and two gerbils! She works in criminal justice on a restricted basis during treatment which she is really passionate about. She likes to read and is crafty/artistic at heart, usually dabbling in several projects at any one time. Libby loves self-development and psychology, she is constantly evolving by listening to podcasts and self-help style audio books. This helps her to understand herself and make sense of the world around her. Physical activity is key to her mental wellbeing. She is also a massive advocate acupuncture, having it religiously through treatment which she believes has been key for her managing side effects – although not always easy. Chocolate covered Brazil nuts are her favourite thing to eat (at the moment!), along with Thai food. She is mostly vegetarian (apart from the occasional bit of chicken).

She said ‘The fatigue is real and I have really struggled. I am not the same woman I was before, but I thank cancer for making me realise just how sweet my life is, for making the world ever more wondrous and every experience more fulfilling, I am grateful for the perspective I’ve gained and whilst I’m no saint and am absolutely bitter, in some ways, about what I’ve lost, I have come to realise I’ve gained in so many ways too.’