I don't have a bucket list, I have a ‘book it’ list with my close friends and family - Maria

I am Maria, 58 years old, living in West Yorkshire. I was diagnosed in 2022 aged 55 with EGFR+ lung cancer - completely asymptomatic. I have a history of breast cancer and basal cell carcinoma in the last 10 years, so cancer isn't new to me, but lung cancer was still a big shock.

I love my husband and adult kids with a fierce love. What keeps me grounded is staying busy - that's the key for me. I volunteer at two charities, help with admin for EGFR Positive UK, and I'm a regional ambassador. On Mondays I do armchair exercise for octogenarians in our community, making teas and coffees. I also volunteer at Maggie's Centre in Leeds - I've done this for 5 years, continuing through diagnosis. I give a lot and get a lot back.

I meditate and do breathing exercises to chase the demons away. Coffee, walking my dog, and planning holidays whilst I'm still well enough - making precious memories. I do Instagram blogs and reels to show that I'm living and thriving. I also want my children and husband to have some memories of us all together.

Take the photo, wear the dress, make people smile!

The magic medicine of osimertinib has given me an extra 3 years so far and long may it continue. But you never are fully at peace. You realise early on that this, the present, is truly the best you are going to be. So live your life. It's not easy and the little devil on your shoulder can slow you down, but there are glimmers to celebrate along the way.