“My Fight Will Keep Me Going” Sarah’s Unshakable Resilience In The Face Of Cancer

By Hannah McNamara

Just three days after her 39th birthday, Sarah Munster was given the life-shaking news that would soon redefine her understanding of resilience. On the 5th of November, 2024, which also happened to be her son’s birthday, Sarah was devastated to learn she had breast cancer.

"I found out about the diagnosis on my son's birthday, three days after my 39th birthday," Sarah shared.

After noticing a sizable lump in her breast, measuring 4.2 centimetres, Sarah underwent a PET scan, which led to a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. The following week, she was told she had grade three invasive ductal carcinoma, and less than a month later, the diagnosis worsened to stage four, presenting itself as incurable cancer.

"The oncologist said that there was metastasis in my bone… so there was a 2.5cm spot in my bone."

"Without actually having been told by the oncologist, I already knew at that point that it was stage four."

Sarah had been told in the past that her mother’s breast cancer was non-hereditary, which had given her reasonable confidence. However, just one year shy of the recommended age for a check-up, her world was turned upside down.

Despite this, she has remained resilient and confident through it all.

"I wouldn’t say that I’m strong, but I would say I'm resilient.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life, and if I hadn’t gone through those previous challenges, I don’t think I would be handling this diagnosis as well as I am now.

“I just feel like you have to be optimistic to get through something like this, because if you aren’t, then what's the point?"

Determined to stay positive despite the upcoming challenges of intense treatment, Sarah has already faced one tough hurdle - shaving her beloved blonde hair.

Elise, from Huxx + Rose Hair, has been a cherished friend, and long-term hairdresser of Sarah’s for over 12 years. In a supportive gesture, Elise recently had the honour of shaving Sarah’s head.

“Elise is a really amazing and caring person…I’ve never met anyone like her, and I was just like, ‘I would really love it if she could help me shave my hair.’”

In a powerful show of support, Sarah’s husband and mother also shaved their heads alongside her.

"It’s been pretty amazing, to be honest...I do believe I’m pretty lucky to have the people that I have around me.”

Her husband and children are the lights in her life and regularly remind her that she’s not alone.

"It’s really nice to know that my kids are listening, watching, and supporting, even if they don’t say much, and my husband has been really helpful throughout this journey.

“If I didn’t have his support, I don’t know where I’d be."

Sarah urges others to stay on top of their health checks, particularly if they notice any abnormal signs.

"Keep up on those checks, especially if you see any abnormal spots…because it could make a huge difference."

Though Sarah’s circle of support certainly makes her journey easier, it’s her mindset that remains unshakable. Sarah is determined to remain optimistic and refuses to let her diagnosis steal her joy.

"I get so many people asking how I handle this, and I just tell them, 'I don’t know, it’s just who I am.'

"I have a lot of confidence that I’m going to live a long life... whether that happens or not is another story.

"I do believe that my positive attitude and my fight will keep me going.

“I don’t give up very easily, that’s for sure."

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Sarah’s long-time hairdresser and friend, Elise, has stood by her through everything and recently shaved Sarah’s head in a gesture of support

Sarah’s husband and children are her primary supporters, joined by her mother, colleagues, and close friends, who have been with her every step of the way. Photo source: Huxx + Rose Hair (Facebook)

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