Her diagnosis came several months after she started going to the doctors and hospital, worried about a lump in her breast and the pain that came with it.
While her GP referred her on for investigation, it was initially put down to a blockage because she was a breastfeeding mum. It took almost six months before she was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer.
The diagnosis came two days before Christmas last year. By New Year's Eve she was in Waikato Hospital and she had her first round of chemotherapy on New Year's Day.
This year has been a whirlwind of treatments - chemotherapy for four months, 35 radiation treatments, and a bilateral double mastectomy in June.
"Because I have my babies there was no option but to fight it and always stay positive," she said.
I didn't want anyone else to raise my babies, that's what I am here for.
"I just knew deep down something was not right with my body. I think that's why I got so upset.
"I didn't expect to go through this at 35. One minute I'm happy and healthy. Life was just full and we were happy, then for it to be taken away...
"I was angry because [the doctor] said he didn't know what the outcome was going to be. I was sad because I didn't want to leave my babies. I've raised them as a solo mum, they are my world. I didn't want to leave them. I didn't want anyone else to raise my babies, that's what I am here for."
Because the cancer was found to be a genetic mutation she opted to have both breasts removed. Next year, she plans to undergo a full hysterectomy.
"I didn't want to wake up wondering. There is a 40 per cent risk of ovarian cancer at 40. I want to see my kids grow up, my grandchildren. I want to live this life out as an old lady," she said.
"I've had some pretty tough days but overall it has taught me a lot. It has shown me how to love, how to not take things for granted."
Miss Tahana said it was incredibly tough to be away from her children during the treatment but her family - including her stepdaughter who she is raising - stepped up.
When one of her daughters asked if she was going to die, she told her no.
"I told them I was going to beat it."
She said she woke up on the second day of chemo thinking "how the hell am I going to do this?"
"I couldn't change my son's nappy, I was lethargic, nauseous, then my body kicked into overdrive and completely handled it. I'm so proud of my body, I was just so lucky. For me it was the physical side effects - losing my hair and eyebrows and gaining weight.
"Cancer is just a horrible thing but at the end of the day I'm still here, I still can laugh."
Her treatment is now over, although she will have regular monitoring.
"I beat cancer. I will forever be grateful for all the medical people that saved me. They hit it on the head with the right treatment.
"I tell women now, if they feel like something is wrong they need to push and push and push."
While Miss Tahana's cancer diagnosis came as a shock, for fellow poster girl Mona Davis the diagnosis was one she always knew was coming.
Her mother died of breast cancer at 53, her sister had a breast removed at 45, and her niece and two aunties had breasts removed before the age of 60.
"What was my chance of missing out on getting breast cancer? In my view zilch.
"I always knew, so when I was diagnosed my world didn't crumble."
She said the family history led her to getting a small insurance policy - which she described as a "godsend".
The cancer was spotted at Miss Davis' regular yearly mammogram.
"In 2015 the test was clear, but in April 2016 only 12 months after the last scan the shit hit the fan. Within two weeks of getting the news they found a mass growth of 7cm and a few tests later I was off to surgery."
Miss Davis said at first she was a bit "blase" thinking they would take a small bit off, but the surgeon advised her to remove the whole breast.
She chose not to have a full rebuild as she didn't want to risk complications.
"Although my body is missing a boob I'm satisfied with my choice and have no regrets."
Her recovery was complicated when, after the first surgery, they found they had missed a bit, so she had another surgery.
While she didn't require chemotherapy, she has to take Arimidex for the next five years, with lots of side effects.
"I feel like a fraud sometimes in that it is done and dusted within two months."
Miss Davis said the one time it really hit her was telling her four children.
"Because the kids were so upset I got upset."
Miss Davis said the mind games were the hardest - but described her sister, who had also been through breast cancer, as her "super rock".
"The personal effect of breast cancer has been horrendous. Firstly the mind games - would I survive? How would people perceive me without a boob? What will I look like? And that went on night after night, for weeks on end. But I have been blessed with great support."
She said her cancer wasn't so much a fight as a journey.
"This was never about a fight. You have to be positive."
Her advice to others is to listen to their body.
"If you are in doubt check it out."
ABOUT BREAST CANCER
- Each year 70 women in the Lakes area are diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Around 20 will die each year.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer for New Zealand women.
- One in nine women will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
- For advice on signs and how to check your breasts go to www.anychanges.co.nz
ROTORUA PINK WALK
- October 19 at the Village Green
- Ninth time it has been held
- Major fundraiser for Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust
- Aims to raise $10,000
