Chris's Story
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in December 2003. Since then I've had several different types of treatment to help me fight this illness, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a stem cell transplant and a drug trial involving antibodies.
It was during my first transplant at the old UCLH hospital that I met Debbie who at the time was visiting the Adolescent Ward. Since then Debbie has witnessed the many treatment, scans, blood tests, relapses and fears that became a normal part of my life while battling cancer.
In the first month of my diagnosis there was a whirlwind of appointments, test scans, operations and treatments I had to undergo, along with being a young lad, the primary carer for my brothers and running a home. The usual things my friends where interested in girls, image etc, had to be out of the question. A year later this was further complicated by the fact that my younger brother Carl 19 was also diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in August 2004 and therefore became part of this daunting world.
The specialists, doctors and nurses were telling me things about our treatment that I just couldn't take in and definitely didn't understand. Carl and I talked amongst ourselves to try and make sense of it all but in reality neither of us had a clue. Thanks to Debbie's support and also that of her friends and family it has given me the strength to cope.
Teens Unite Fighting Cancer provided me and my brothers with some wonderful days out and has left me with some cherished memories and times with my brother that will stay with me forever. While the treatment we went through was very important, I found just as important if not more so, was the time away from the hospital recuperating.
Teens Unite provide days out for everyone to get away from the many fears and worries that this illness often brings. It helps us forget about the treatment and to concentrate on being young and having fun. They do this by bringing others in similar situations together, so we can all help each other. I had my brother to talk to and discuss things with; sometimes you don’t want to have to explain how you’re feeling when asked by someone, so it’s nice to have someone who already understands because they are in exactly the same boat as you, helping to build on our self esteem and confidence.
Thanks Chris.
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