During the bowel cancer awareness month of June, the Dunedin resident has been encouraging people to be kind to themselves and learn to listen to their bodies.
"I just want to give people hope, because that’s what I was desperate for," she said.
Her diagnosis with bowel cancer five years ago took her by surprise, as there was no family history of the disease.
Living a busy life and working in the corporate world, she had not been paying attention to any symptoms she may have had, she said.
Despite feeling "absolutely exhausted" she set of on a holiday towards the end of 2017.
"You think you’re going to go on holiday and feel better, but I ended up in Dunstan Hospital with a perforated bowel that started to abscess — I was really sick."
This started the medical journey that led to a diagnosis of the condition Bowel Cancer New Zealand says about one in 18 New Zealanders will develop in their lifetime.
The charity states that 90% of bowel cancers are curable if caught early.
However, New Zealand has one of the highest rates in the world, and the disease is the second-highest cause of cancer death in the country.
Mrs Smitheram underwent extensive surgery in 2018, including a bowel resection and removal of a lesion on her liver.
She then underwent six months of chemotherapy, finishing the day before her birthday.
"There was about a 70% chance the bowel cancer would return within three years, a statistic that was 'a massive reality check'," she said.
Throughout her cancer battle, she focused on building her health up, including a change in eating habits and new pastimes that provided reflection.
Her advice for those recently diagnosed was to focus on one day at a time.
"The fear was massive, to calm my mind I had to learn to meditate."
Journaling and yoga were also helpful.
Even when she had been unable to get out of bed, she would still do what yoga she could with a specially planned routine.
Support and kind messages from family, friends and colleagues, as well as inspiring quotes and pictures helped her through.
"All these gave me inspiration, courage and hope."
"During this time I learnt to be far more honest with how I was feeling and gained new appreciation for what I already had in my life."
Learning about other people’s experiences was helpful, although everyone was different. With the immense amount of information available she focused on what was simple and realistic.
She was grateful to all the medical workers who had helped her, and the Cancer Society who supported her after her chemotherapy had finished.
Just after the three year mark, she relapsed and needed to have 40% of her liver removed, but felt fitter and better prepared.
She had now been clear for two years.
Her family were her inspiration to stay healthy, and she had a new appreciation of life and being herself.
"Even though I thought I had best intentions, the reality was I was so focused on my work, family and life, I did not prioritise my own health and wellbeing.
"By sharing my story I hope this helps everyone consider this for themselves."
