As most of you know, on the 23^rd of June this year, I am celebrating my Five Year Remission Anniversary!

I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I was 23 years old. Life had been pretty normal to that point. I had grown up in a tiny country town outside of Brisbane, Australia, with a loving family, studied at university and had started working in Echocardiography. I was always very active and loved running, swimming, touch football and golf. 

At the time, I was healthy and happy. However, I started feeling a dull chest pain which was initially easy to ignore. I ended up speaking to a few doctors who said that it was nothing to worry about. Slowly, the pain became more intense and I also developed a bad cough and headaches. On seeing the next doctor, I mentioned these new symptoms and asked if I could have a chest x-ray. A few days later, I had the x-ray and was told that I must see my doctor first thing in the morning. At the time, all I was concerned about was whether I was allowed to play touch footy that night. 

The next morning would change my life forever. I can remember my doctor telling me, with tears in her eyes, that I had a tumour the size of a rockmelon in my chest and that there was a possibility that it was Cancer. I was speechless and despite having a very close bond with my parents, I couldn’t call them. I physically could not get the words out. I think it was because I didn’t want to upset the people I loved. Thankfully, my doctor phoned my Mum and Dad for me.

I started having tests immediately. Within two days of my diagnosis, I had been admitted to hospital. The doctors were concerned because my right lung had collapsed and there was reduced blood flow to my brain. One of the hardest things I had to do at this time was tell my sister and friends what was going on when I understood very little. Within two weeks, I had two operations and commenced Chemotherapy. I had to make big decisions about risky surgeries and whether I wanted to have children in the future.

Life had certainly changed. I can distinctly remember someone asking me if I was angry. I wasn’t angry at all, I was just really, really sad and afraid.

A few months after starting Chemo, I was told that it was working and that the tumour had almost halved in size. It was amazing to hear those words. I think knowing that the Chemo was working encouraged me to be more positive and determined. Each time I had Chemo, I would strike another ‘dose’ off the calendar – “One step closer to cure” was my mantra. I tried to make the most of my time by reading, cooking dinners, catching up with friends and family, and continuing my postgraduate studies. One thing worse than Chemo – Chemo plus statistics – but it kept my mind off Cancer. I received Chemo for a number of months and then had another operation where I had tubes put into my chest.

On the day that I found out that I was officially in Remission, I was so overwhelmed. It was a very happy day! I wanted to say so much to thank my Oncologist but all I could say was “We did it!” There was such relief not only for me but for all the people who were supporting me. Soon after, I had a stem cell harvest. It was long and tiresome but it allowed me to feel as though I was giving myself every possible opportunity to ensure that I stayed in Remission.

My journey through Cancer and Chemotherapy was certainly a very hard time for me. There was a great deal of sadness and frustration, not to mention the physical toll that the Chemotherapy had. Some days were consumed by nausea, lethargy, exhaustion, and worst of all - waiting. Remarkably though, most of the time I was able to maintain a positive attitude and a sense of normality. I guess I tried my best to focus on the future.

Now after five years, the thing that I am most reminded of and humbled by, is the endless kindness and generosity that I was shown. My devoted family, my wonderful friends, my amazing colleagues and clinicians, and my community provided me with unconditional support and love. They convinced me I had no choice other than to get better. Moreover, with the support of both charities and fundraising initiatives, I was assisted medically, emotionally and financially. A gift I can't repay.

I am now fortunate enough to be living in London and travelling the world. I would like to use my Five Year Remission Anniversary as an opportunity to say “Thank You” to all those people who helped me to survive Cancer, to raise awareness of those diagnosed with Cancer, and to raise much-needed funds to support Cancer Research UK. 

I am hoping you are able to help me with this. By raising awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK, we will be providing further education and support for individuals with Cancer, their friends and families. Donations will also advocate the best possible treatment for people diagnosed with Cancer and fund medical research in an effort to find a cure for Cancer.

So please dig deep and donate. Every little bit counts.

Thanks for helping me to give back!

Much love

Kel x