Recovery: A New Chapter Begins
Once I’d completed my final course of chemotherapy, I felt a massive sense of relief, knowing I would continue to get better. I was told it would take around 2 years for the chemotherapy to fully leave my system, and 9-12 months to regain my strength. The “all-clear” regarding further tumour growth felt like a massive weight lifted, helping to fuel my recovery efforts. By this point, I had learned the profound importance of appreciating what we have, as life can change irrevocably in an instant, often beyond our control.
Since finishing treatment, sadly, things haven’t been smooth sailing. I’ve had numerous additional side effects such as memory loss, loss of hearing and smell. Also, a twitch in my face, whilst barely noticeable initially, continued to worsen and became classified as a “minor tremor”, which is a precursor to seizures. This would bring difficulties performing everyday tasks like writing, eating, dressing and drinking due to the shaking movements, so I’m on medication to control the tremors as much as possible for as long as possible. I will have to take this daily for the rest of my life. It was also suggested that these tremors will get worse over time. The timescale is unknown, but inevitably, at some stage, I may lose control of all my bodily functions, something that I still struggle to think about.
My Advice for Others Facing Cancer
If I could offer advice to anyone facing cancer treatment, it would be this: it’s an incredibly difficult journey, but it is navigable, and even in the darkest moments, there is always something positive to be found. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial, and having small things to look forward to (e.g. watching a favourite film or TV show) can provide the strength to get through each day. The more you focus on the positive, the better things become. A quote that resonated deeply with me during treatment was, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This is something I regularly remind myself of.
Remember, support is always available. Cancer is a brutal experience, but it can also create resilience and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple joys – the comfort of home, the valuable connections of loved ones. Activities once taken for granted, like watching TV, now hold a special significance. In a bizarre way, I wouldn’t trade my past and my diagnosis. It has shaped me into the person I am today, and I can honestly say I am happier now than I ever was before my tumour. Instead of dwelling on the future, I focus on the present, celebrate the small victories, and know that anything can be overcome.
Finally, trust your instincts regarding your health. If you notice persistent changes, no matter how minor they seem, get them checked. Medical professionals are there to help, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your well-being.
Once I had completed my cancer treatment, one of the charity organisations I was receiving support from (CLIC Sargent) put me in touch with a member of the Move Against Cancer team. The MOVE programme, I went through the free 8-week online “building foundations” programme for 13–30-year-olds living with & beyond cancer. Essentially, it’s a personalised series of exercises tailored to everyone, aimed at improving whatever mobility issues they need help with.
Working with Helen through the MOVE programme was an integral part of my mobility rehabilitation. Honestly, I wouldn’t have known where to begin on my own. Having a dedicated professional guiding me, providing weekly video calls, ensured I was doing everything correctly and kept my motivation levels high. If I were having a tough week, the exercises could be adapted, allowing me to continue making progress without pushing myself too hard. Regaining strength and fitness wasn’t just about physical recovery; it was a huge boost to my confidence, empowering me to get back out and do the things I used to enjoy. It gave me a profound sense of independence and a real sense of pride in overcoming such a big hurdle.
A key part of the MOVE charity is their 5k Your Way events, held nationwide alongside Parkrun on the last Saturday of each month. It welcomes anyone affected by cancer, and there’s no pressure to complete the full 5k – everyone is included. This inclusive spirit drew me in, and after attending local events, I became a charity ambassador, setting up the Erddig 5KYW, which we launched in November 2022. As an ambassador, I help with event logistics and share information. It’s been wonderful seeing friends and family get involved, and the events are always praised for their friendly atmosphere. Seeing people undergoing, or having recently finished treatment is both inspiring and a personal motivator. After nearly two years, I finally achieved my goal of running the 5k in under 30 minutes – a huge personal milestone. We recently celebrated the Erddig event’s second anniversary with cake for all 200 attendees, highlighting the supportive community these events foster.
Once I was fit enough (physically and mentally), I began looking for employment opportunities to get back into a routine, and help support my finances and pay bills. My previous employer had left the door open for me to return, which I appreciated. But I also knew that the roles I’d held there were high-pressure, fast-paced, and I wasn’t in a place to handle that anymore.
Want more? Head over to Part 3: Finding My Fit at Health Diagnostics