For those new to reading this and anyone else who isn't aware, Kate is the superstar and the inspiration behind this series of testing events I've completed in aid of Anthony Nolan.
Back in December, Kate wrote a really poignant blog post introducing us into her world since diagnosis, how she coped with her diagnosis, and the treatment she'd had - if you'd like to catch up then you can find it here.
Since then she's been busy; you may have seen her on TV, the radio, in national newspapers, on magazine front covers, and guest speaking at conferences. There was also a top 10 most viewed spot on the BBC news homepage, and through all the attention she's been going about telling a really difficult story all with dignity and good humour that everyone who knows her would expect, and that everyone who doesn't would be amazed at.
The Spot Leukaemia campaign from Leukaemia Care has pushed her experience into the public eye, and there's been quite a lot from me in the last 10 months, so once again, in a really fitting way to sign off Blood Cancer Awareness Month, it's over to you, Kate...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well he’s only gone and done it again….!! Phil has completed Man Vs Mountain this weekend [edit: and in doing so is raising money for Anthony Nolan Trust on my behalf and for others like me.
Phil is an absolute machine and although I think he may have a screw loose, he is completing all this crazy insane challenges to raise awareness of blood cancer because he wanted to help me when I was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia. I am humbled by the amount of effort and physical exertion he puts into these challenges, let alone the time! Spending many weekends away travelling the country to take part and staying in tents in the rain, which deserves a medal in itself!
Being told you have an acute leukaemia is utterly terrifying, from the moment you are diagnosed you are desperately trying to survive. Before you know it you are being pumped full of chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood and all manor of drugs. Kept in isolation in hospital, your old life stops immediately, never to be returned to and you are locked in this spiral of hellish treatment. There were numerous times when I thought I wouldn’t make it, and I almost didn’t.
My cancer treatment has been long, complicated and punctuated with setbacks and trauma. When the cancer returned during my third round of chemo I feared I would never reach remission.
When Phil reaches his breaking point on these crazy challenges, he tells me he thinks of me and all I have been through and it gives him to push to keep going. Knowing that someone wants to help and see you succeed gives me the push to keep going. Thank you Phil.
In supporting Anthony Nolan Trust you are helping to save lives and support those like me who are managing to survive treatment and adjust to their lives post cancer, our ‘new normal’.
This month marks Blood Cancer Awareness Month, it is poignant for me as it marks 2 years since diagnosis and I also celebrate my 1st Re-Birthday following my stem cell transplant last year. So a highly emotional one!!
I cry at the drop of a hat, even adverts get me going, so I am sure I will spend this month with a tear in my eye or rolling down my cheek. I’m lying on the sofa feeling bit poorly this morning, but I’m still here! And that to me is so utterly amazing! I’m absolutely knackered but determined to make the most of the rest of my life, however long that be. It is so precious.
Cancer and illness took my parents and it almost took me too. I'm not going to lie, I’ve shed a bucket load of tears today, reflecting on what I’ve been through and how my life has changed in every way some good, some bad. Cancer is an absolute bitch. I’ll be flipping it the bird today and celebrating life, and having two birthdays Queen stylee.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instagram: philvsnature
Twitter: @PhilJ0606
JustGiving: fundraising/philvsnature
Comments
Post a Comment