I have overcome some seemingly insurmountable odds and hurdles both physically and psychologically and achieved the outcome that every patient hopes to hear but sadly not everyone does...For me, it came at a time when I didn’t even think that may be possible.
I am 23 years old and a nurse and a midwife. I really struggled with constantly being reminded how young I am. I still remember going to my first oncologist appointment and having the receptionist say “Oh! You’re too young to be here!”
When I found out about my husbands' diagnosis, I felt deeply shocked and completely devastated. My focus was on our 2-year-old twin boys and my husband. My instinct was to immediately find James the best care and educate myself so I could make informed decisions.
I have learnt a lot in such a short 6 months… my motto is “I can control my emotions, but I can’t control outcomes. “I have implanted that thought into my brain and it has really helped not to be scared and worry about what if’s? Outcomes will be outcomes and me worrying about outcomes is not going to change what may or may not happen.
Two weeks before taking my 90-year-old father to China in October 2019, I felt a lump in my neck and mentioned it to my doctor when I went to get my certificate of medication to take with me on my holiday.
This all happened during the beginning of Covid, our home was rented out, we could not travel in our little motor home and I could not wash myself, prepare meals and most other things we take for granted.
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We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
