Stories from people affected by cancer

My piece creatively explores the physical sensations and emotional impact of my treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, which coincided with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. I created it to 'bear witness' to my own experience; by describing one of the darkest, most difficult moments, and the fragile threads of hope that seemed to emerge from this lowest ebb.

A story about stress, love, and happiness, all rolled in together. Centred around a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 28!

My cancer treatment during COVID brought exhaustion and isolation. With the help of my Move More friends, I finally began to feel understood and ready to be myself again.

From a nurse’s point of view.

Diagnosis of myeloma (bone marrow cancer) in June 2020 was a shock - and coping with it complicated by the pandemic. But treatment was at hand - initial oral chemotherapy followed by inpatient care for a stem cell transplant in July 2021. I hope others approaching stem cell treatment find my story helpful – and you can find out about Chatterbox, the online support group I’m part of, here: https://chatterboxcancergroup.co.uk/

Cancer experience led me to find my purpose, combining my faith in Christ and support for others, through The Secret Place, a faith-based non-profit organisation.

My story is one of gratitude and thanks. We cannot always control the difficult situations that life throws at us but we can choose to face the difficulties with dignity and courage. I hope my story offers hope, encouragement, and support for others.

Every cancer is different, everyone is an individual and in a world of “one size fits all” tick boxes the challenge is to just keep going…

A shock diagnosis and treatment against the backdrop of a global pandemic have changed me but I’ve learned that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

My cancer journey story tells of how important it is if you feel anything is not right to keep asking questions.