In 2012, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at just 30 years old. Along with the fear and uncertainty came the harsh reality of losing my hair from chemotherapy. Being bald made me feel unattractive and exposed to prying eyes, casting an overwhelming feeling of anxiety upon me.
As I battled through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, I struggled not only with fighting this terrifying disease but also with how I presented myself to the world, which confronted a challenge I hadn’t expected — finding headwear that made me feel like “me” again — strong, confident, and beautiful.
I struggled to find something that matched my style and made me feel good about myself. I realised that most headwear options available didn’t fit right or stay in place, felt too tight, were uncomfortable in Australia’s hot and humid conditions, or just didn’t reflect my personality as colours were plain and designs were limited.
That’s why I launched Graceful Lily. I wanted to create something that would help women look good and feel confident during one of the hardest battles of their lives. Designed to be both beautiful and practical, my headwear collections are made from soft, breathable bamboo. They are eco-friendly, stylish, comfortable, and, most importantly, ethically made in Australia.
It’s about helping women embrace their beauty, strength, and resilience as they face their cancer journeys.
My goal is that Graceful Lily can give women the courage to face each day feeling beautiful and confident, even at their most vulnerable moments.
— Suzanne, founder Graceful Lily
Anyone who has been through cancer knows it’s a tough journey. From the shock of diagnosis to learning the type, stage, grade, and going through surgery plans, treatment schedules, and follow-ups — the experience takes a significant toll.
Considering my age and that I had a young family, my oncologist decided to administer every treatment option available — basically he threw the kitchen sink at me!
I underwent four sessions of A/C (Adriamycin Cyclophosphamide), often called the "red devil," followed by six sessions of Taxol (Paclitaxel), and twelve sessions of Herceptin (Trastuzumab). All of this was administered through IV infusions, which was particularly challenging for me because I have a deep fear of needles. If you’ve seen Monsters, Inc., imagine Sully’s reaction when he thinks Boo is crushed — that was me regularly at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre.
Thankfully, I had incredible nurses who supported me through each session, helping me overcome my fears in every way possible. After finishing the IV treatments, I had 45 sessions of radiation and then started on tamoxifen, initially for five years, which was later extended to ten.
Graceful Lily is inspired by the essence of my name, Suzanne, which means 'graceful lily' in both French and Hebrew, symbolising purity, resilience, and timeless elegance — qualities that embody the lily flower.
For me, these values are at the heart of everything we do at Graceful Lily. Our headwear is designed to reflect this commitment to beauty, resilience, and authenticity, offering an experience that uplifts, inspires, and brings grace into your everyday life.
Recovery is an ongoing process. Many people assume that once treatment ends and your hair grows back, you’re “cured” and fully healthy. This is a huge misconception and anyone who has been through this journey understands it’s much more profound than that.
You’re no longer the same woman you once were, physically or emotionally. You learn that you’re stronger than you ever realised, facing your fears head-on. Your determination and resilience have brought you through all treatments, and now it’s time to heal. For me, this has been the toughest part yet, the “Why me?” thoughts, the “This isn’t fair” feelings, and the ever-present fear of cancer coming back.
Physically, my body is healing, but I now need to focus on my mind. Recovery is about caring for my whole self, and that’s where self-care comes in. Some may see it as selfish, but I call it protection. I’ve learned to listen to my body — if I’m tired, I rest. Exercise and good nutrition have also become essential parts of my recovery, helping to boost my mood, reduce stress, and support my well-being.
The fear of recurrence is something I confront each year at my annual check-ups, where I’m grateful for another year and all that it brings. I’m incredibly thankful for my doctors, specialists, surgeon, and nurses, as well as my family and friends. Their love and support have given me the strength and courage to be here today, and I’m truly blessed to have them by my side.
At 40 years old, marking the 10th anniversary of overcoming my cancerous tumours, I decided it was time for my first tattoo. It had to be something profound, something that truly represented who I am and the journey I’ve been through — something to celebrate my victory. This tattoo would symbolise the fight I endured, a reminder of the blood, sweat, and countless tears that led me to this moment.
I booked the appointment, took the leap, and made it happen. It’s not a large tattoo, but it means the world to me. It’s a constant reminder of my strength, my journey, and my gratitude for this second chance at life.
Life after cancer is bittersweet. There’s always a lingering fear that the cancer might come back, and anything that feels abnormal can be frightening. But there’s also an immense sense of gratitude for this second chance at life.
I’ve been blessed to watch my children grow. I’ve seen my daughter graduate from primary school, then high school, and now she’s completing her university degree. I’ve watched my son finish primary school and move into senior studies in high school.
The journey has been long and challenging, but I’m so grateful to be here, surrounded by my beautiful family and friends. Some days are harder than others, especially around the time of my annual check-ups, but when I look back on everything I’ve overcome to be here, it feels like a dream.
As for what’s next… My focus now is on looking after my body, stressing less (I try, but it’s easier said than done!), enjoying time with my family, and ticking things off my bucket list.
Living in the moment has become my mantra. Life is too short, and we never know how much time we have left. So, go for that walk, enjoy a glass of wine with friends, and indulge in a little chocolate after dinner.
