Ellen
Ellen was diagnosed with leukemia when she was just nine years old. She relapsed at 12 and she lives with the long-term impacts of childhood cancer. But she’s learned how to thrive.
What do you want people to know about your experience?
My experience with cancer has been lengthy due to the amount of late effects that I have been left with from treatment, but one thing I have always kept at the front of my mind is hope and believing that even if today is a difficult one, tomorrow will always be slightly easier. As I had intensive chemotherapy, I have been left with a lot of late effects from the treatment that I had including, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and something which I have had 13 brain surgeries for, epilepsy, chronic fatigue and heart failure, to name a few. I think late effects are something that people aren’t always aware of or don’t think about but cancer really can impact so much of your life and for longer than the time you’re on treatment. Having a life that has been impacted by cancer for as long as I can remember, it can be tough and my health certainly goes through dips, but over the years of navigating my late effects, I have alway kept faith that even through the toughest of times, there are always brighter days ahead and that’s what’s kept me going.
What does being a young person who’s had a cancer diagnosis mean to you?
I know for sure that having cancer has changed me but I mean that in a good way. I treasure the little things in life more than I did before and feel gratitude in every day. It can be difficult sometimes to navigate life alongside cancer and the challenge of navigating life as a young adult with my late effects but having a support system around me and the support of charities like Trekstock has made it easier and less daunting for me to deal with. Don’t get me wrong, when I go through tough periods with my health it is a challenge but I focus on taking things day by day.
What does being part of a community of young people who have also experienced cancer meant to you?
I think its so important to have charities and communities like Trekstock. I honestly do not know where I would be without them. To be able to connect with others who know what it’s like and what you’re going through really does mean so much.
How has Trekstock helped you thrive?
I have completely transformed since I first met Trekstock eight years ago and so much of that has been because of the charity and the support that I have been given. I was less confident back then and now I really do feel like I’m thriving. I think it can take time to get back thriving post a cancer diagnosis and that’s ok, but I do feel that I’m there now. Their RENEW programme has been so beneficial. As well as their panel discussions which have equipped me to feel more confident to discuss difficult topics with my healthcare professionals. They really are such a special charity who build their programmes exactly on the needs of young adults who are living with and post a cancer diagnosis. I truly don’t know where I’d be without them!
What does living life alongside cancer mean to you?
It is being fully equipped to feel my best self despite everything that is going on with my health.
What do you wish you’d known about cancer before your diagnosis?
That late effects can happen, but life can still be just as wonderful despite them, you just have to take your time to get there!