Hopes brighten after treatment

Kirsty Porcer

When she was at her worst Havelock North woman Kirsty Porcer wouldn't make plans more than a week ahead, now she's looking forward to the new year.

After flying to Germany for two rounds of experimental hyperthermia, chemotherapy and additional infusions including vitamin C, she's enjoying a "normal" life with two young children.

With stage four breast cancer that metastasised to her bones including hips, legs, knees and crucially, her spine, she was given a year to live in February.

Now her days consist of school drop offs and pick ups, helping out with swimming or Brownies and making dinner - a huge step forward from the days when she could not even walk to the letter box.

"January is six weeks away and I'm not going anywhere ... it's about living life, I'm really looking forward to my sister coming over from the UK in 20 days, she's bringing her children and husband. We are going to have a beautiful Christmas and I'm actually starting to plan some things next year."

Ms Porcer wasn't sure exactly which part of her treatment made a difference, but something had stopped the cancer from spreading for now.

"I'm still stable so that's really good, I'm still doing my vitamin C infusions ... they make all the difference not only do they help my energy, but also with skin healing."

As a member of advanced breast cancer groups on social media she was sharing her experiences with vitamin C, reaching women in Australia, America and the UK.

Positive thinking was another huge part of her journey. She stopped using the word "terminal" because it has connotations of doom and gloom.

Instead, Ms Porcer is opting to celebrate the small stuff - being able to walk 4km without pain, dropping an afternoon nap that was once necessary and joining a gym to strengthen and repair fragile bones.

"I'm hoping in my lifetime a cure is imminent."