Coping with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Grandparents and children sharing tips and stories

From Fiona Wainwright

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 20. I was scared but more afraid that my boyfriend would leave me. All my usually secure, loud and confident characteristics left me for a while but came back stronger than ever. My boyfriend and I too!

I developed anxiety to everything hospital and chemotherapy related, which didn’t help as I was going to hospital every week for six months. Even my windscreen wash smelt like chemo so I was sick all the time!

I wasn’t too bad on chemotherapy if anything it was all in my head. I felt unattractive and felt I had lost my feminine side as my boyfriend and I had the same grade one hair cut!

What got me through was being able to laugh about it, see the funny side and you will fly through your treatment. I'm a stronger, better person than I was before and I'm thankful for the lesson it has taught me.

Always smile x