Sophia and I connected on Instagram, where we discovered we both share a lymphoma diagnosis and a passion for singing and music. She is the youngest cancer survivor I have ever met. I asked her to share her story to raise awareness that cancer is not just an old person's disease. Cancer does not discriminate by age, and it is crucial for Sophia's story to be heard so that medical professionals take the time to listen to all patients' concerns, regardless of their appearance.
Me: Tell me about yourself
Sophia:
I’m Sophia and I was diagnosed with lymphoma right after I turned 16. I live in the UK, and I absolutely love dancing, singing, and playing the piano and violin. Or just anything artsy like that!!
Me: What surprised you the most when you were undergoing cancer treatment?
Sophia:
I knew that cancer treatment could make you feel weak and that I would have to go through things like losing my hair and feeling sick, but I didn’t realise how much chemo affects your immune system and how easy it becomes to pick up infections. I found this quite hard as it meant I couldn’t always meet with friends or do the things which involved being in crowds or even small groups.
Me: How has cancer changed you?
Sophia:
In some ways, I’m still the same person as I was before my diagnosis, but it many ways I’m not. My personality is still the same, I still love my old passions just as much, and I still have a lot of the same aspirations. However, cancer has changed the way I see things so drastically. As cliché as it sounds, cancer really does change your perspective on everything. It has shown me what’s truly important, and has also helped to show me that a lot of things aren’t worth worrying about (although I admit that is easier said than done!) It has also led me to want to achieve new goals, including giving me a desire to help other children who are going through the same thing I did, fundraising for charities which help cancer patients and survivors, and maybe one day doing some research myself! It has also made me want to live without regrets and to try not to turn down any opportunity, and to make the most of every one you are given!!
Me: What is one piece of advice you would give to newly diagnosed cancer patients?
Sophia:
When I was first diagnosed, I was so worried to tell people because I was terrified about what they might think. It took me so long to finally tell everybody what was going on, but once I did I realised how much support I had around me and how much better I felt having told everyone. So, my advice would be don’t be afraid to tell your family and friends about your cancer, because you could be missing out on so much kindness and support. I would also say try not to push yourself too much, as I wasn’t very good at doing this and pushing through the hard days only makes recovery harder in the long run. You have to listen to your body and know it’s important to allow yourself time to recover; your body is working so hard to fight this awful illness even if it may not always feel like it. My friends and family have to constantly remind me of this!!
" I would also say try not to push yourself too much, as I wasn’t very good at doing this and pushing through the hard days only makes recovery harder in the long run. You have to listen to your body and know it’s important to allow yourself time to recover; your body is working so hard to fight this awful illness even if it may not always feel like it."
Me: How can friends and family best show support?
Sophia:
I think as it can be hard to know what to do or say when your friend tells you they have been diagnosed with cancer, however I can say that from now on, when somebody tells me they are going through a difficult time I will continuously check up on them. I used to be weary of pestering those who were going through a hard time or giving them space while dealing with it. However, even on the days where I didn’t feel like talking to anyone, even just seeing a message from somebody asking how I was or letting me know they were thinking of me, or that they had been praying for me meant the world to me. So, I would say don’t be apprehensive to reach out to your friend or family member who has been diagnosed with cancer, every little message, phone call, card or hug makes a difference.
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