Sharing some of these images feels incredibly vulnerable for me but I hope that by opening up about everything Iâve been through, I can offer support and encouragement to anyone facing similar struggles. If youâre struggling right now, I want you to know that transformation is possible. Itâs not easy, but you are stronger than you think, and I hope my story inspires even a glimmer of hope for you. âš
The first two slides are from 2017, during my time living and DJing in Canada. On the surface, I looked happy, but underneath, my world was far from okay. Self medicating every night with drugs and alcohol, I used to cover my face in make-up to hide the constant acne and the black rings around my eyes. I was barely keeping my head above water and based on my very first symptomsâwatery discharge, lower back pain in the morningâthe cancer had already taken hold at this point.Â
The image below was taken in 2019, and reveals me at my lowest point. Itâs one of the last photos of me hungover. This image breaks my heart every time I see itânot only because I barely recognise this person, but because I see someone who was in desperate need of help, maybe even a miracle. I believe that miracle came in the form of my husband. He showed me a love worth fighting for, a love that inspired me to believe in something bigger than myself. Together, we committed to huge lifestyle changes.
In August 2019, we made the decision to go completely teetotalâno alcohol, no drugs, not even medications. Having relied on these things since my early teens, it was the hardest step Iâve ever taken, but also the most essential one in my healing. Without it, I truly donât think Iâd be here sharing this story today.
The slide below is of me and my husband nowâHi!
When I look at these, I know everything we've worked towards has been worth it.
In 2022, I was officially diagnosed with cancer. Processing the news was tough, but deep down, it wasnât a shock. I had spent years making the choices that contributed to my bodyâs state of dis-ease. Cancer doesnât happen overnight. Decades of trauma and pain had disconnected me from my inner voice. I buried hurt I couldnât bear to face, numbing myself in every possible wayâuntil it all finally caught up with me.
In 2012, I was diagnosed with HPV and experienced symptoms which I had treated. After the procedure, the nurses reassured me it was nothing to worry about, saying my immune system would clear the virus on its own. While that HPV strain may not have directly caused my cervical cancer, the damage was in how I misunderstood HPV as a whole. I wasnât educated on the different strainsâsome asymptomatic and incredibly dangerousâand I assumed HPV wasnât a serious concern. Looking back, I realise my misunderstanding of HPV mirrored so much of what I misunderstood about my own healthâhow deeply connected my mental, emotional, and physical well-being truly are.
Unaware of the risks, I didnât practise safe sex, likely contracting other high-risk strains over time without realising. My irregular smear test in 2015 was dismissed as a lingering effect of the HPV in 2012, but by 2019, the clear smear test I received was undoubtedly wrong.
Having endured childhood trauma, many addictions, abusive relationships, and ongoing mental health struggles, my lifestyle looked fun and carefree on the outside. But it was nothing more than a mask, hiding deep pain and leaving my body incredibly imbalanced. Years of medications, sleepless nights, recurring infections, and poor gut health silently wreaked havoc on my system.
For the first time, in August 2019, I began prioritising healing and self-care. Yet even as I tried to rebuild my health, persistent signs of illness lingered: painful, irregular periods, unexplained fatigue, bloating, and bleeds after sex. Smear tests and scans came back clear, leaving me confused and doubting my instincts about my own body.
Over time, Iâve learnt how important it is to be proactive about our health, to educate ourselves, and to trust our gut feelings.
This was just the beginning of a journey Iâm still navigating today.
If youâre struggling with addiction or other health challenges, I want you to know that healing is possible. Healing doesnât happen in a straight line, and it can be really tough at times, but small steps forward can lead to meaningful change.
If my experiences resonate with you in any way, just know that youâre not alone. You have the strength to keep moving forward, even when it feels hard to.
If youâre due for a smear test, please donât delay. Early detection can save lives. Iâm hoping my story might be the reminder you need to prioritise your health. If youâve ever felt dismissed by doctors or unsure about your symptoms, please keep advocating for yourself. And if you ever want to reach out, Iâm here. Lolly x FLGW