For Kiwi model Tamsyn Cornwall, the beach is her happy place. "I'm a self-proclaimed mermaid!" laughs the 32-year-old, who spent much of her childhood in togs while growing up in Fiji.
But these days, wearing a bikini has taken on a deeper meaning for the Aucklander, whose stomach carries a constellation of scars, each one helping to tell the tale of her incredible victory over a disease that almost claimed her life.
For Tamsyn, showing them off is a reminder of all she has overcome and of a whole new level of self-acceptance.
In early 2020, the aspiring actress, who has studied at Australia's prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts, as well as our own South Seas Film School, was diagnosed with stage 3B bowel cancer.
"I was heartbroken," she tells Woman's Day. "You just can't ever imagine those words being said to you. It doesn't seem real."
To save her life, surgeons removed Tamsyn's colon, leaving her with a stoma, an opening in her abdomen through which waste could be diverted into an external pouch or stoma bag.
Tamsyn - who has won almost 17,000 Instagram followers with her inspirational posts decided early on to share openly about her journey online, posting pics in a low-cut bikini that showed off her stoma bag.
This story is from the April 25, 2022 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 25, 2022 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Brid get's new lease of life I'M THRIVING & SURVIVING!
After beating breast cancer, the Tauranga teacher has found a passion for dragon boating
MORGANA'S TRUIMPH I'VE GOT ALL OF NZ BEHIND ME!
The Mean Mums actress is sinking her teeth into juicy new parts in Friends Like Her and The White Lotus
HAS RUSTY CALLED OFF HIS WEDDING?
Russell Crowe refused all invites and requests to celebrate his 60th birthday on 7 April, telling friends he had \"no plans\" to mark the milestone due to work commitments.
ROYAL RAPPER HOW I FOUND MY STRENGTH
Having overcome many challenges, talented Queen Shirl'e is helping young people thrive
SHANNON NOLL & COSIMA DE VITO IDOLS REUNITED!
Once rivals for the top spot, they've always had each other's backs
Rising star's journey FROM FOSTER CARE TO FAME!
Young trans actress Paipera reveals why her new TV role was destined to be
AFTER THE CAMERAS STOPPED ROLLING...
We find out who's really together and who's not!
WARNIE'S EX SIMONE HOW HEALED I FROM HEARTBREAK
The late cricket legend's ex-wife is turning over a new leaf in her life story
Piki & Michael BEHIND-THE-SCENES HEARTBREAK
Their TV experience was bittersweet for these Te Kuiti cousins, who suffered a tragic loss during filming
PENNY'S BIG COMEBACK
Good friends and happy me mories see her return to Summer Bay