Dunedin doctors kept telling Amy it was due to eczema and hay fever. She was given countless amounts of antihistamines, nasal sprays and even sleeping pills.
"I was on the highest possible dose of topical steroids and even that didn't help. I was losing my mind."
Amy continuously was sent home as the itch and cough never amounted to anything, however, she noticed a lump on her neck near the clavicle.
"My GP sent me for a non-urgent ultrasound and I was told it's probably just the eczema acting up, and my lymph nodes swelling because of it."
On February 19, Amy had her scan and by the afternoon was referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
One week later, Amy was diagnosed with cancer.
"As soon as I heard the news, my husband and I just wanted to start treatment. My parents took it a bit harder, they couldn't quite believe that their young daughter had cancer."
Amy's close friend Nikki Templeton immediately started a Givealittle page to help fly her parents to NZ before the nation went into lockdown.
"We were hoping for around $3000 to help offset the cost of her parents coming over from Malaysia to help out as live support for her and the kids," said Nikki.
Amy and her family had moved from Wellington to Dunedin two years ago and Nikki thought making a Givealittle page would be the most practical way to offer help from a distance.
When Amy found out about the page, she was very overwhelmed.
"I cried so hard when the donations came in. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the amount of support and help we would receive. It has been absolutely mind-blowing. I love all my friends, but knowing that I'm loved as well just makes me bawl like a baby," she said.
Unfortunately, the borders closed before Amy's parents could fly over, but she is going to get them here as soon as the restrictions are lifted and is using the money to ease many different financial burdens from treatment.
Despite the cancer having zapped all of Amy's energy and stopped her from working, she said she is staying positive and can't wait to get back to work and feel normal again.
"I want to run and swim and give my children and husband the biggest cuddles and kisses ever."
