I had a brain tumour when I was 6. It was a medulloblastoma, a type of cancer. I had surgery to remove the tumour then radiotherapy on my brain and spine every day for a few weeks. I remember my mum read stories and sang to me to keep me still during the radiotherapy. The doctors melted a mask on my hand and then on my face, it was very hot. I was scared to be left alone in the room under my green mask. I also remember doing crafts in the playroom with other children. I was very creative then and I still am.
Finally came the chemotherapy which I had to have for a year. I had a special drink, like a milkshake, to help me put on weight when I was having the chemo. I did not like it at all, and I still hate milkshakes and smoothies. During chemotherapy I had to receive platelets regularly. I remember the yellow liquid. I met a girl there who had another type of cancer and who sadly died.
During my treatment my biggest challenge was the needles and I hated when nurses were using my portacath. They were not always so gentle, and I wanted to do it myself, but I wasn’t allowed. I lost some of my hearing as a result of the treatment and I don’t like wearing hearing aids. It frustrates me as the sounds I hear are not normal. I have also struggled with school. I am slow at reading, typing and everything else. My classmates always finish their work before I have even started.
I think I have achieved some important things though. I managed to get through all my radiotherapy and MRI’s without needing to be put to sleep. My mum helped me to stay calm and she persuaded with doctors and the nurses to give me time to get settled so I wouldn’t need to be put to sleep. I managed to keep eating and drinking during treatment so I wouldn’t need a feeding tube. And also, I have managed to get over my fear of needles. I look right at them now!
I am 15 years old now and I know I am lucky. I am a survivor! I love crafts and I am very creative. I make anti stress crafts, bracelets, knitting, and all sorts of art. When I grow up, I want to work with children, like a nursery or arts teacher.
Two years ago, at the Success Charity Survivor’s Conference I met a girl that I played with during my treatment, and she remembered me too. I really enjoyed that conference because I realised then, that there were other children who are the same as me. I was surprised that there were so many. I liked hearing their stories and I was impressed to see them talking in front of everyone, and I could relate to them. They inspired me. So last year I told my own story at the conference – via a video link, because now I live in Singapore. Success Charity enabled me to tell my story and it made me proud.
