With 18 months of treatment ahead of me, I knew I wanted to give my cancer diagnosis some purpose, I especially wanted to make something good out of a bad situation. So, I started a YouTube channel, so that I could reach out to other cancer fighters and also share my cancer advice. My videos are mainly cancer advice videos, life updates and cancer vlogs. I really enjoy making them because it means I can help other people in my situation. Also, being a very sporty kid before, making videos became my new hobby and distracted me from the harsh reality of cancer. It was very therapeutic for me and gave me a sense of purpose.
Rhab-do-my-o-sar-coma – why does medical jargon have to be so complicated? I was 14 years old, still recovering from the news that I had cancer, and now I was given a diagnosis that I couldn’t even pronounce, let alone spell! Ahead of me, I faced the prospect of 9 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, possible surgery, 28 sessions of radiotherapy and 12 months of maintenance chemotherapy. I couldn’t comprehend how ill I would become or the uncertain future that lay ahead of me, but the one thing I could control was my attitude towards my journey: from day one I told myself that I WILL fight this cancer and I WILL stay positive – no concoction of drugs could override my immense self-belief and positivity. Of course, there were days that I felt like giving up, or that I felt that I was certain to die of this disease, but you get through it and you stay strong.
Currently, I am 16 months in remission and I am living life to the full! I still get 3-monthly scans and regular consultations with my doctors, but I am beginning to feel normality settle into my life again. In September, I will begin studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A-level, and my biggest achievement so far is certainly being the Founder of TeensVsCancer.
October 2019
Update: November 2021
I am now 20 years old and just over 4 years out of treatment – whoop whoop! Remission hasn’t been an easy ride. Navigating ‘normal’ life whilst carrying the massive baggage from cancer was very difficult at first. I still experience fatigue, chronic pain and menopause issues, but as the years have gone by, I have learned how to better deal with them. Now, I am embracing the issues I face rather than constantly fighting against them. In September, I began studying Medicine at University, in my pursuit to become a doctor! I am excited to celebrate 5 years in remission next year and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.
