Rosie's Story
Hi, my name’s Rosie and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2019. In early 2020, I also had Covid, and suffered from the Covid long for quite some time.
Covid reminded me of my cancer journey, except that at the time I got it I was totally on my own, as no one knew what the long-term effects were, and few people were going through it.
It also had a similar impact to the side effects of my chemotherapy treatment – the fatigue returned, and my brain didn’t always want to work.
All my gains in stamina from after treatment stalled, and I got shattered every time I tried to increase my exercise. Chemo patients will probably recognise these feelings!
One thing that I learnt is that it’s important to realise that everyone reacts differently, even to the same chemo so you can’t compare yourself to anyone else and should learn to appreciate the little wins. I found that it was all about taking baby steps and building things up at a manageable pace.
I completed a 5km Race for Life in October 2020, and matched my sponsorship money to give to Macmillan and Cancer Research UK. I did it in 1h 40, but I did it!
I often felt fed up and experienced quite a lot of déjà vu. It’s tough when you feel like you’re facing barrier after barrier. If I dare to think about how much I’ve been through, it’s quite remarkable I suppose.
It’s important to be kind and patient with yourself and allow yourself some down days.
When I look back over the last few years, I realise how little I allowed myself to look forward. Having cheated death a few times now, I’m hopeful that I can start living again, rather than existing.
Thanks for reading.
