It was with some consideration that I've decided to make this public. While it feels as though this is a fairly private thing to be dealing with, I have never been good at keeping secrets, so I've decided to just let it out and make this announcement, both for myself, and for raising awareness that could potentially save lives.
During the last week of February, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The good news is that because it was found early it is small, treatable, and is being handled by some wonderful specialists with all care and haste. A full recovery is expected within as little as a few months. I will be in surgery in week to have the lump removed, and further treatment (chemo, radiotherapy) will be decided when post surgery pathology results are in. Everything from here on is taken one step at a time, with many possible outcomes along the way. But because I am young and healthy I have the best prognosis for a quick and positive outcome for the whole treatment.

I have two important requests that I am asking of my customers, fans and friends during this time:

Understanding and privacy-
I will be getting help with my business during this time, but no doubt things will slow down quite a lot, and I hope everyone can be patient with us because I won’t have much time to train my helpers before my treatment begins!
Also, while I appreciate and am grateful for the well wishes I have already received, and believe that the positive energy of them is an important part of healing, I am asking that you don't contact me personally by email or otherwise on this subject. I will have a lot on my mind, physically, emotionally, and a very full schedule for the next few months! Please also be patient with replies for any business or art enquiries that need my attention.
I am feeling very positive about this at the moment, but I also know it will probably be quite a rollercoaster ride as treatment goes on. This is a life changing thing, but it is more positive for me than is often portrayed, but that is because it was diagnosed early, which leads me to…

Awareness!
I am only 26 years old. I have no family history of breast cancer. I don't and have never smoked, and basically have no risk factors at all. I think this simply goes to show, this can happen to anyone. My message is simply to women of all ages, but particularly younger women, to self examine regularly, and if you find ANYTHING, do take it seriously. The majority of the time it will be something benign, but you don't want to not take it seriously the one time it could be cancer. Statistically, as many as one in eight woman will have breast cancer during their life time (generally over 45 years old), but luckily these days it is very treatable, but early detection is SO important to give the best results.

Things I am grateful for:
-    The wonderful support I've received so far from my family, my fiance (he is so amazing!), and both real life and online friends.
-    The Australian health care system. It always amazes me the incredible level of care available without having to pay a cent.
-    The lump is in my left breast, and I'm right handed! So I should have no problem continuing to paint!

For more information about Breast Cancer, please visit the very informative Cancer Council website at- http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editoria