PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND AND BEYOND - Let’s wrap our arms around Larissa whilst she battles rare and aggressive breast cancer

The past 9 months have been extremely difficult, but your support has made this experience a little less stressful.

With the mastectomy and chemotherapy, I had many months where I had to work reduced hours, so the funds raised went a long way to keep the household bills paid - thank you so much!

I was also able to buy a few wigs for when I lost my hair, pay for all the medical prescriptions and medicine as well as a couple of specialised massages which were so needed during chemotherapy.

I am currently sitting here with no evidence of disease, which still feels a little surreal. I continue to struggle with fatigue and brain fog, as well as some nerve damage to my hands - thanks chemo! And I also have some bone pain. This was recently investigated with a full body MRI. All areas were clear, except for my left ribs - which are being further investigated with a CT scan at the end of May.

To take my mind off of the wait, I am off to Thailand for 2 weeks - a chance for me to relax, reset and process this crazy ride I've been on. Luckily, I'll be able to show my new hair do as it had started to grow back.

I continue to visualise a future where I'm alive and thriving & I'm not taking any time for granted. It is full steam ahead - I don't want to miss out on anything. I auditioned for an acting scholarship when I was completing chemotherapy - I was feeling like I was on death's door when I auditioned but it turns out the judges loved it, and I won a scholarship to go study at a prestigious acting school in New York for six weeks. I start in July - I can't wait!

There is certainly lots to live for and lots to look forward to.

Thank you again for all your love, support and kind well wishes - it takes a team to kick cancer's butt - so thank you for being on my team.

Lots of love,

Larissa