Holistic healing and self-care: Harriet's journey to living her best life

Harriet was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer at 33

I'm Harriet, a 36-year-old dog mummy who loves crystals, sound healing, travel and hugging trees whenever I get the chance!

When I got my diagnosis in 2022, it was stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer. I’d been experiencing fatigue and migraines. Being diagnosed at just 33 was overwhelming, but I've learned that it's important not to get hung up on the diagnosis.

I will never forget my incredible oncologist at the start of my diagnosis saying to me, “Let me worry about the cancer and you go out there and live your life.” I don’t think he will ever know how much that phrase supported me very early on. Three years later and I’m still living my best life and Dr Matar is still taking good care of me.

Self-care is showing up for yourself everyday, even when you feel like giving up. It's small things like making time to meditate, taking a break for a coffee and reflection, or going to the gym.

"It's knowing it's ok not to be ok and admitting to friends and family when you need a chat or a shoulder to cry on.” - Harriet