Mandurah author Marianne Stevens has published a book about her battle with breast cancer, that has spanned decades of her life.
Since her second diagnosis almost eight years ago, Ms Stevens has been determined not to let it stop her from living life to the fullest.
‘Travelling with Cancer’ follows Ms Stevens’ journey raising her family, supporting her husband and jet-setting around the globe while undertaking treatment.
The 78-year-old is hoping her story will provide inspiration and knowledge to those diagnosed or people affected by the deadly disease.
“I think people will feel more positive and maybe less frightened when they read it,” she said.
“It shows me with no hair and with a wig and with my hair grown back which is a positive thing for people to see.
“I just want people to know that there’s a lot of hope out there and our research here in Australia is so good for breast cancer patients – they’re wonderful, they keep you alive much longer.”
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Ms Stevens said she was inspired to write about her experiences after a conversation with a friend.
“I had breast cancer 30 something years ago and then a second bout nearly eight years ago,” she said.
“A neighbour of mine who’s a nurse is always telling me I always look so well and she asks me ‘are you sure you’ve got breast cancer?’
“She said ‘you’re so positive, you ought to write a book about it’ and so I did.”
But it’s not the first time the talented author has put pen to paper.
“It’s my third book actually – I’ve written my autobiography and I’ve written a book about Italy because we used to have a house in Italy,” she said.
“I’ve always loved writing and I belong to the Mandurah Scribblers Group and they give me a lot of encouragement, they’re very good.
“It’s amazing to see it in print and hold it, all that hard work – it’s almost as good as when you have your first baby.”
Marianne Stevens’ book ‘Travelling with Cancer’ will be available for purchase on Amazon later this week.