My name is Tom Gilry and I am a cancer survivor.

In September 2017 I was diagnosed with an advanced lymphoma.

This had followed a period of gradually worsening health that culminated in one of my legs swelling to twice its normal size. For months the doctors had been unable to diagnose my condition but then finally a stomach specialist had recommended a biopsy. There I was in his office as he read out the sentence (diagnosis) He was not an oncologist so he could only tell me what it was while he made me an appointment with an oncologist. Three days was how long I had to wait for the appointment. Three days of fearing the worst. I knew how long I had felt bad for - I could see how big my leg was. Whatever way I looked at it my future looked very bleak.

I was scared and uncertain about what to do. Reading online about the disease made things even worse. My appointment arrived and my oncologist told me that it was bad but that an immediate and extreme course of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy was my best hope.

I stopped work and began the process of getting ready for chemotherapy. Very early on I decided that I did not want to just be a passenger in the treatment. I decided to follow what the oncologist told me but that I would also embrace other non-conflicting therapies. Already a yoga practitioner I focused more on the restorative side and meditation. Controlled breathing and positive imagery exercises every day. I also modified my diet eliminating as much sugar as possible and focusing on high protein and raw vegetables. My life became a routine of clinic, doctors, yoga, food and sleep.

I had great support from my partner, family and friends but cancer takes you to some dark places. Places that maybe I did not want to talk about with the people close to me. Questioning all my choices, my lifestyle and what I actually wanted out of life.

I think it was in these moments that I started wishing there was someone I could talk to that had been through this. An idea for a cancer coach germinated in my head.

Gradually my leg returned to normal but at the same time the chemotherapy was making me very weak. I persisted with my regimen even when I did not want to.

Finally after 6 months the oncologist declared me not only cancer free but also that I would not need to undergo radiotherapy.

Joy. Yes. Relief - definitely. Changed - absolutely. Physically and more importantly emotionally.

No longer am I a closed off hard to reach person. I had touched the void and felt that I actually had something more to offer than just going to work and paying the bills.

Now perhaps I could open myself up to being a guide and a comfort to others. What I learned transformed my life and now it can help you transform yours. I want to offer my experience and support to anyone else looking to find their way through their cancer journey. I want to help everyone touched by cancer to reach their highest healing potential and transform their lives by using cancer as a catalyst for change.