Just a little, but still exciting, update to say we've now launched the final enamel cup design that you can bag as one of the pledge rewards - either book and mug OR the Extract coffee book bundle. In the very same setting where I and my friend work, another colleague has a daughter who was told by a MALE GP that her bleeding between periods was likely due to rough sex with her boyfriend!! After pushing to get a cervical smear, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and subsequently treated!! Feb told it was secondary breast cancer - it had already spread to my lower spine (which explained the immeasurable pain). I rushed through it wrapped in my duvet and accompanied by mugs of instant coffee, and couldn’t wait to pass it on to a friend. Kris’s generosity of spirit is clearly contagious!

Little did Kris know it was cancer that would lead her to a life she had never considered: a happy one. From founding a charity to visiting Downing Street, campaigning at festivals to appearing on TV, and being present at the birth of her nephew; in the face of all the possible prognoses, Kris is surviving, thriving, and resolutely living. Hallenga is a slightly controversial figure in the world of secondary breast cancer. She was diagnosed de novo with the disease at a scarily young age even for those of us who faced a diagnosis in our thirties, and yet she’s known for loudly banging the “early diagnosis saves lives” drum. Statistics aren’t exactly uncomplicated supporters of that statement… Around 30% of patients go on to receive a metastatic/incurable diagnosis and breast cancer is still the biggest killer of women under the age of fifty. From being a twin obviously there was a lot of emotions to be read during this. I was so angry at the GP and felt every bit of anger and hurt the family was going through. For me the quotes within this read were inspirational. I loved the notes from the mums baby book about when the twins were young and I loved the mini journal entries and dates.It’s (wait for it) mindfulness! Well, sort of. Actually, it’s conscious awareness of the neurological limitations of our own systems. In other words, learning that the system is likely to offer a false or skewed viewpoint on reality, and to use (for want of a better term) a software patch to correct this error. Because we can’t trust ourselves to make rational decisions, especially based on our ‘gut feelings’ (see here) we need an alternative decision matrix to refer to. I like to call this anchoring, but call it anything you like. Instead of insisting we know what to do when we actually have no idea, and then making a poor decision based on the emotional and cognitive imperative of the moment, we can evaluate the present situation based on a separate platform. This requires some deep (Type II) thought: what is actually effective for you based on the evidence of your past behaviour and its consequences? What provides longer-term meaning and satisfaction, even though it might be awkward, uncomfortable, or even distressing in the short-term? Remember that, when trying to determine this framework, you’ll probably be self-deluding by making stuff up to fit a viewpoint of events (see here for a discussion of values). This is why working with a psychologist can help – it’s easier to be objective about what actually happened. Kris was living a totally normal life as a twenty-three-year-old: travelling the world, falling in love, making plans. However, when she found a lump in her boob and was told that it was not only cancer, but also incurable, life took on a completely new meaning. She was diagnosed at an age when life wasn’t something to be grateful for, but a goddamn right.

This episode is supported by BetterHelp. Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/GAT A wonderful book from Kris Hallenga who was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago and is still very much living her life!

I got this as a library loan and raced through it in under a day. It has taken me a while to review however as I was in a complete rage after reading. Kris stepped down as Coppafeel! c.e.o. three years ago but still works for the charity part-time. She writes and speaks regularly about her experiences How to Glitter a Turd aims “help people navigate any of life‚Äôs big challenges, as well as the very particular trauma that is cancer.” This is the type of book where there are certain parts that the reader can identify with , it doesn't matter who you are there will be something in the book that will speak to you and that is what is beautiful about it , its a book that doesn't exclude anybody. You will go through a rollercoaster of events , you will ride the highs and the lows , you will be happy and you will cry your eyes out . If you want to share the story of how you've glittered your turd, send a voice note or WhatsApp to the Turd Hotline >>> +44 (0)776 923 7544

There is just so much I could say about this book but I won't. You need to read it yourself to really absorb the joy you get from it (yes, a weird word to choose about a book written by a wonderful human with Stage 4 cancer but you'll get it when you read it). I remember when Kris and Coppafeel first came to the public knowledge - I can’t believe that’s over a decade ago now! When I heard youngsters on a bus chatting about what they had learned about breast cancer in school that day, I silently thanked Kris and CoppaFeel for finally putting cancer awareness on the national curriculum so that all young people would have the chance to be educated about how to advocate for their health.

Gaby is steadfast in remaining 33 (you’ll hear why) but also where her sunny disposition comes from, and how it pulled her through her turd and is something she has imbued into her own children. Gaby isn't apologetic about her outlook on life, her positivity isn't toxic it is a case of she is who she is, and who she is is a total joy! I’ve followed the work of Kris Hallenga since I was first diagnosed with cancer and became aware of enthusiastic students bouncing around in giant boob costumes. New tiny brain lesion followed by stereotactic radiotherapy. Two new liver lesions. Oophorectomy to ensure little to no oestrogen in my body. Stopped letrozole, switched to exemestane and affinitor. Later switched from Affinitor to Palbociclib targeted treatment. Monthly denusomab injections. To get such a life-changing diagnosis so young is... I have no words, and I went throught it, although my diagnosis was not cancer, and my recovery and remission was (is) shorter than what Kris went through, I could relate so much.