ONE LUMP OR TWO?: Based on the blog CHRONICLES OF A LUMPY PERSON

I am an Australian wife, mother and teacher and I have Cowden's syndrome. This is a rare genetic condition which effects 1 in 200 000. Cowden's syndrome is caused by a damaged gene which usually controls cell growth. As the gene is faulty I grow tumours ( lumps) all the time and am at a higher risk than most for cancer. This is why my blog on social media is called " Chronicles of a Lumpy person". Writing the blog has helped me cope by sharing my story and the challenges I have faced in my life.

In 2013 another story unexpectedly unfolded when my daughter was diagnosed with a life threatening medical condition of her own. So far she has required 15 major procedures (including two craniotomies) in her brain. It is highly likely I have passed on the defective gene to her.

Dealing with my own condition is very hard but watching your child go through her own hell is heart breaking. I never imagined my story would unfold in this way and unfortunately we haven't seen the end yet.

I'm not a famous author, nor am I an expert in editing. I'm just a Mum on a journey to advocate for a very rare condition. Together with my daughter, I'm also on a mission to show that " giving up" gets you nowhere.