This was about to change drastically.

About a month later, the results came back positive for me needing to get a colonoscopy.

Snezana with her two dogs Olly and Daisy during the period of her cancer treatment. Source: Supplied

No postponing the Roman holiday

We walked out of the meeting that day feeling optimistic. Our upcoming trip to Italy was just a few weeks away, and both the surgery and expected recovery period appeared to be quite uncomplicated.

Snezana and her family on their Italian holiday at the Colosseum in Rome, before her cancer surgery and treatment. Source: Supplied

Rome, Venice, Florence, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast were amazing. We arrived home refreshed, tanned and relaxed and in a good headspace to cope with what was to come.

And then came the news that I would be starting 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

Wearing gloves and using elbows

Some days were unbearably painful; the sheer lack of energy and strength to get up each day and endure the side effects was difficult.

Mentally, I felt strong and kept a positive outlook. Focusing one day at a time would help me get through it.

(Left) Snezana and her late mother’s best friend ‘Aunty’ Millie and (right) Snezana and her friend Noeline in the hospital. Source: Supplied

‘You just don’t know when your time is up’

Without the unwavering support and love of my family and core group of friends, my journey would be so much harder.

Snezana recently while in remission. Source: Supplied

It’s with absolute joy I say that as of 19 May of this year, I am officially in remission.

It means that in this moment, I can focus on healing, recovering and enjoying the little things in life.