Avril Tierney, a Portarlington psychotherapist and mother diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at age 41, is launching an inspirational book titled Cancer, Chaos and Courage: Finding Hope and Healing in Life’s Darkest Moments, detailing her seven-year journey with stage 4 cancer and applying professional counselling insights to navigate serious illness, according to local reports.
From Portarlington Diagnosis to Stage 4 Treatment
The journey began in 2019 when Avril Tierney discovered a lump on her right breast while her two children were under the age of seven. According to biographical details from the author, she underwent aggressive radiation, chemotherapy, and a lumpectomy. Just one year later, in 2020, scans revealed the cancer had spread to the top of her right lung.
Balancing a demanding home life with complex surgeries and intensive medical treatments tested her resilience. Eventually, medical teams determined the cancer had reached a treatable but incurable stage. A turning point arrived in 2022 when she qualified for a new immunotherapy drug. By the following year, scans confirmed the tumors had vanished. She remains on lifelong treatment, maintaining a status of NED (no evidence of disease) for the past three years.
Did you know? Avril Tierney serves as a campaigner for Breast Cancer Ireland, delivering talks and workshops on resilience, mindset, and thought awareness to companies and community groups.
Bridging Psychotherapy and Lived Experience in Print
Drawing on her professional background in psychotherapy, counselling, and coaching, Tierney wrote Cancer, Chaos and Courage to address the profound challenges of terminal and life-limiting conditions. Based on her personal and clinical insights, the book offers practical coping strategies for chronic illness, grief, and sudden life adversity. It aims to help readers find hope during their darkest moments through structured thought awareness and mental rebuilding techniques.
The publication serves as an extension of her keynote speaking work, where she helps individuals navigate sudden changes in personal circumstances. Her dual perspective as both a medical patient and a mental health professional forms the core framework of the publication.
Launch Event Details at the Market House
The official book launch takes place at 6 pm on Friday, September 4, in the restored Market House in Portarlington. According to event organizers, the evening opens with a welcome and introductions, followed by a speech and a short reading by the author. Refreshments and relaxed conversation will follow the formal program.
Attendees can purchase signed copies at the venue. Card-only sales for the book are processed through BuytheBook.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Cancer, Chaos and Courage?
The book was written by Avril Tierney, a psychotherapist, counsellor, and breast cancer campaigner from Portarlington, Ireland.
When and where is the book launch?
The launch is scheduled for 6 pm on Friday, September 4, at the restored Market House in Portarlington.
What is the book about?
It explores the profound challenges of a cancer diagnosis and life-limiting conditions, offering practical tools rooted in psychotherapy and personal experience to help readers navigate grief, chronic illness, and major adversity.
How can I purchase a copy?
Signed copies will be available at the September 4 launch event, with card payments processed via BuytheBook.ie.
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