Cancer - Sherryl Walker hates the word.
In 2006, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but only by chance. A visit to the hospital for her daughter ended up in tests. She had been complaining of tiredness and her daughter convinced her that she may as well be seen at the same time.
Six years on and the battle still isn't over.
It's been a roller coaster ride, with chemotherapy, radiation and brachytherapy, which is internal radiation therapy, and endless trips to Wellington hospital, Taranaki's Base Hospital and Christchurch's Womens' Hospital.
"I have the fear of it coming back. I haven't been cleared yet and one of my kidneys isn't looking too good."
The disease has affected Sherryl both mentally and physically. She says her stubbornness has meant she hasn't let people help her as much as she maybe needed, as she dislikes having to rely on others.
"I've gone through the 'why me' and everything. But, when you're down having chemotherapy and you think the whole world is going to collapse around you, and you see a baby being wheeled in that needs treatment, you ask yourself what you're going on about. There's a little life that hasn't even seen its first birthday. It puts it into a different perspective," she says.
Sherryl says she wouldn't have coped with the process of diagnosing, treatment and rehabilitation without a support person by her side.
"When they first told me I had cancer, I was just vacant. It didn't register at all. I don't know what I would have done if Rose (support person) wasn't there with me through it all."
She has just finished a programme through the Cancer Society and recommends it to anyone who has or had cancer.
"I felt very comfortable there. Support groups such as the society are in place to help you and listen to whatever you have to say, so use them."
Sherryl says the society has been brilliant.
August 31 is Daffodil Day and your support is needed. All money raised for the Cancer Society in Taranaki, stay in Taranaki. A range of merchandise is available, with selected items in Stratford at Mackays Pharmacy, Off the Cuff, NZ Post and National Bank. The full range will be at the Daffodil Day luncheon at the Stratford Memorial Hall on the day. For more, contact Raewyn at (06) 765 7110.