Obviously I've no clue if what I've written is any good - because believe it or not biased twin sisters don't count… The beaming and infectious Gaby Roslin has been a much loved stable on our TVs and Radios for over 30 years whether it was hosting the Big Breakfast, Children In Need or on various radio shows or more recently on her own podcast. Kris's story should make you feel grateful for every second you're alive. It's a testament to her positivity, empathy, bravery and her unfailing sense of humour'Dermot O'Leary What an inspiring story of a 23 year olds journey with what started as breast cancer during a pandemic. I loved how witty it was and how the authors spirits were so high. I’ve read a few memoirs and this was so powerful.

If you were sitting in a room chatting to Kris I cannot imagine the conversation to be any more intimate and engaging than the writing in this book. Kris talks about her childhood, her family, her relationships, the things she loves and hates, how she set up Coppafeel because she believed in cancer prevention and early diagnosis. Starting in a little tent at a festival, winging it, the charity has become a huge force in making changes in health education, a dialogue about the C word and has literally saved the lives of many women who have gone to their GPs armed with Kris’ story. And yes Kris writes about her cancer. Diagnosed at 23 - and isn’t that the ‘turd’ of the title - after a series of terrible missed opportunities/ mis-diagnoses which meant that her eventual diagnosis had a ‘terminal’ label.My second thank you to Kris is for the resilience, in reading this book I have realised that I’ve never known such a hardship - it has both humbled me and given me such a respect for you and the many others that have felt such struggle. It has put things into perspective and taught me that no day will be too hard. 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. Feb told it was secondary breast cancer - it had already spread to my lower spine (which explained the immeasurable pain).

Diagnosed with liver mets and lesions on my hips, pelvis, and more spinal areas. Vertebroplasty to fix my crumbled lower spine and some radiotherapy to upper spine, hips and pelvis. Switched from tamoxifen to letrozole, faslodex and zoladex. Continued with zometa. For listeners of the Glittering A Turd, CALM is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a CALM Premium subscription at CALM.COM/GLITTER 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!! 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! 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 experiencesNew 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. Kris Hallenga is absolutely right in seeking second opinions, questioning her specialists, enquiring about the latest treatments. She has had to learn the incredibly shitty way of medical negligence and incompetence. Unbound commissioning editor Joelle Owusu said: “I‚Äôm delighted to be working with Kris on such a unique and exciting book. She is a true inspiration and she puts her heart and vivacious personality into everything she does. This book offers a whole-hearted and funny perspective on the realities of living with cancer and she is not just surviving but thriving. It‚Äôs been a joy to bring the project to 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.