On April 8, 2024, my life changed with a diagnosis of Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (VSCC). Despite my busy schedule, I prioritised my health and trusted my instincts, leading to the early detection of this rare cancer. I learned on that day that in less than a year, I had developed a 4 x 4.5 cm cancerous tumour.  This was quickly followed by surgery, radiation and low-dose chemotherapy.

However, in January 2025, during a follow-up check-up, I reported feeling unwell, leading to the curveball discovery of recurrent cancer.  My cancer had metastasised.  My VSCC was deemed treatment-resistant, and surgery and radiation were no longer an option.  Within two weeks, I began gruelling chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment and achieved VIP status at Mater Cancer Care Centre. I gained access to the OMICO (precision oncology) database, which provides opportunities for innovative treatments. I completed my chemotherapy late last month and will continue immunotherapy for another 18 months.

I am especially thankful to Clare for her brilliant idea to wear her Alemais dresses throughout my treatment, which quite simply got me out of my gym shorts and made me feel beautiful and comfortable during the brutal treatment. I donned 31 stunning Alemais dresses for my initial 31 treatments in 2024 and continue to wear them every day. Each dress added a splash of colour, a beautiful distraction and brought joy to my toughest days. My Alemais Everyday fashion show transformed my hospital visits, helping me face the world of cancer with confidence and positivity, filled with moments of joy for the medical staff, fellow patients, family, friends and me.

We recognised the impact of the joyful dress-ups and so began Conscious Curations, sharing the enduring beauty of our favourite brand with everyone, including my fellow cancer patients.          

As fate would have it, in Week 3 of my 2^nd treatment, Clare was called back on her routine breast screen and was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. We laughed and cried. Clare has now completed her surgery and radiation treatment last week.

I’m open about my journey to raise awareness about this lesser-known cancer. We both hope to inspire women to prioritise their health, schedule regular check-ups, and listen to their bodies. It’s crucial not to ignore warning signs, as many women tend to postpone medical appointments, thinking, “I’ll get to it later.” I’m grateful I caught my VSCC early and received fantastic care, and I’m determined to fight this cancer.

I couldn’t have embarked on this journey without my sister, Clare—what an incredible experience it has been and continues to be!

To find out more about Tania, Clare & Conscious Curations visit here.

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If you need professional, confidential support about a gynaecological cancer diagnosis or treatment, please call Cancer Council’s free service on 13 11 20.

Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation | Registered as Gynaecological Cancer Foundation Ltd | ABN 86 158 553 229