"We pass this way once in any lifetime, so make it matter."
Those are the words from two Mandurah sisters, helping people navigate the challenging journey of a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Frances Mary Kuthumi was diagnosed with terminal cancer in August 2018.
Following the tough news no one wants to hear, Ms Kuthumi said she felt compelled to help.
Working alongside her sister, Marian Douglas, the pair penned a novel to inspire hope and healing as the end of time draws near.
Published in July, Cancer Agrees With Me follows their journey of transformation and encourages readers not to give up hope but to treasure every breath and give life your best shot.
"The book came about when I was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer going into the lungs and then stage four liver," Ms Kuthumi said.
"Where most people are scared to hear something like that and can't even breathe or just go blank, my first thought was 'what can I do with this, how can I help other people?'
"I remember the doctor asking me if I understood the seriousness of it but I did - I just wanted to do something with it."
Inside the pages of the book is a testimony to the strength and courage the pair have shown in the face of adversity.
Ms Kuthumi, who is currently undergoing her 24th round of treatments, said she wanted to inspire strength and help to make the bumpy road of a cancer diagnosis a little more smooth.
Where most people are scared to hear something like that and can't even breathe or just go blank, my first thought was 'what can I do with this, how can I help other people?'
- Frances Mary Kuthumi
"I want to help the people who feel frightened and scared and whose families are walking on eggshells around them," she said.
"I want the discussion to be open.
"We're not here to bring down anyone who is feeling really negative about anything but to know that anything is possible and you're here for a greater cause."
With an obvious love for each other and the ability to finish each other's sentences, Ms Kuthumi and Ms Douglas have spent their lives together as spiritual teachers and alternative healers.
Ms Douglas said she found comfort in knowing they would never be separated.
"There's 11 months between us but we have always been together," she said.
"We love each other and have a very strong bond - it's so special.
"We wanted to use our healing as a service to other people - to help somebody look at cancer in a completely different way."
We wanted to use our healing as a service to other people - to help somebody look at cancer in a completely different way.
- Marian Douglas
Ms Kuthumi agreed, adding that she was thankful for the strong support network surrounding her.
"I haven't been scared," she said.
"People always say 'surely you've been frightened at some stage when you're alone' but I feel strong.
"I hope people can draw strength from us - they see that we are normal, ordinary mothers, sisters, grandmothers and yet we carry a message to inspire you."
Ms Kuthumi wanted to finish our interview with a few words of wisdom for anyone struggling through a tough time.
"Go with the flow, accept what you cannot change and don't resist," she said.
"Go with your intuition - it will never let you down, it's your compass so don't doubt yourself."
Cancer Agrees with Me is available to purchase direct for $15 plus postage or from Amazon, Booktopia and Book Depository.
Ten per cent of all proceeds will be donated to Cancer Council WA.
For more information about the book and how to order it, visit the website.
