I am now at peace - Woman fighting cancer receives positive news

Doctors had doubted that 29-year-old Shaunice Dean would see 2023 after she was given just a year to live.

Filled with optimism, Dean continues to put up a fierce battle against liver and colon cancer. THE STAR caught up with the central Kingston woman who boasts a bubbly and warm personality. Things are looking up for the mother of one who says she feels at peace.

"Mentally, I am very good and I am now at peace. I know I don't win it medically yet because there is still a tumour in my liver but it is small ... this is giving me a lot of hope," she said.

Dean was diagnosed with stage two cancer in 2020, after initially being treated for acid reflux for almost a year. Her condition worsened within two years, progressing to stage four, which eventually led to the gloomy 'one year to live' prognosis. However, a CT scan done in January gave her renewed hope.

"I spoke to the doctors in February so this is the latest news. A meeting will be held next week to decide if I can try chemotherapy again because it's just one tumour left and I guess because of the location, they may not need to do a surgery. I have gone from having several tumours to one, and it has not spread anywhere else and the doctor said he is pleased with my status right now," Dean said. "I am feeling much better. I am working on my book and I am coming with merchandise soon. I am gaining back weight and I am just feeling happy."

March is being recognised as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and through her social media pages, Dean continues to educate the public on the dreaded disease. According to the Jamaica Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Jamaica. Dean encourages other who are faced with a similar situation to keep a positive mindset.

"As the Bible scripture said, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Once you have a positive mindset, everything else will flow in your direction. Things will happen exactly how it should happen," she said.

As she continues to fight, Dean makes beautiful memories with her son daily, many of which she documents on her social media pages. She also continues to write letters to the youngster, detailing her undying love for him.