When I first heard the news, I was absolutely shocked and devastated. After fighting cancer for more than 20 years, bowel melanoma, then lymphoma, I thought I had been through enough. I was feeling fine, with no hint that anything was wrong. But the diagnosis came at a time when life already felt unbearable: my daughter had just been diagnosed with melanoma and lost her baby two days after my diagnosis, and then my mother passed away just a month later. My first thought was,“I’ve had enough”.
We gathered the family and shared the news together. We’ve always been close, and we decided, as before, that we would face this fight side by side. I also leaned heavily on my wonderful group of friends who have always been there.
The hardest part isn’t just the disease, but the set
backs along the way
Over the years, I’ve had about seven different treatments. The hardest part hasn’t just been the disease itself, but the moments when I was told it had come back, especially the day my husband passed away, which was the day after I started this clinical trial.
But there have been brighter moments too. My daughter recovered from her treatment and went on to give me my beautiful granddaughter, who brings me joy every day. The love and closeness of my family and friends has carried me through, giving me strength and hope.
I only knew about trials from what
I had seen on TV
Before joining Linear’s clinical trial, I only knew about trials from what I had seen on TV. Being selected felt like a privilege. Of course, it was scary and unknown, but also exciting and special, satisfying, even, because I knew it might help others as well as myself.
For my family and me, the trial has meant hope above all else. Yes, it brings many appointments, arrangements, and waiting for results, but it’s also brought a sense of purpose and possibility.
The last five years have been incredibly tough, but together we are making
it through. Even on the bad days, we find a way forward, and we feel
stronger and more positive about the future.