Thank you to New! Magazine and Macmillan, for giving me the chance to share my story, I hope it offers comfort and advice to those who read it. And I hope it is successful in Macmillan's mission to get others to speak about their experiences too, no two cancer patients have exactly the same story, we can learn so much from just talking...
Welcome To My World, Won't You Come On In....
I hope you find my blog interesting, helpful and comforting. Whether you are going through cancer treatment yourself, or know someone close to you who is fighting, I hope it provides a little insight into my journey that may help you along your way.
I have recently written a book about my experience of being diagnosed with cancer at just 16. Eleven years on, "Kiss From A Rose" reflects on the sadness, fear and frustration I felt after being diagnosed, and my fight throughout the subsequent treatment. Since that awful day in the summer of 2001 I have been diagnosed a further six times. The book describes four of these hurdles, but I began this blog as I faced my biggest battle yet having just been diagnosed for the sixth time.
Read how I overcame a death sentence, and after receiving a prognosis of just one year at the begining of 2011, am now looking foward to a long, happy and healthy(ish) life!
https://twitter.com/Natasha_Vince
http://www.kissfromarose.co.uk/
Buy my novel Kiss From A Rose here!
Check out my Show Reel!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
New! Magazine & Macmillan - Encouraging People To Talk
Check out this week's edition of New! Magazine. As part of Macmillan's campaign to get people talking about Cancer, there is a double spread in this week's copy about my story. From the day I was diagnosed at 16, to where I am today, it describes the pain of treatment, from losing my friends, to the amazing support I have today from new friends, colleagues, my family and boyfriend. Cancer patients know there is no beginning and end to having this disease, but I hope that by sharing my story in National Publications such as this, I am able to show people that being diagnosed with cancer isn't always a life sentence, and even if sometimes it seems that way, there are ways you can help yourself, and others, even if it is just by talking about it.
Thank you to New! Magazine and Macmillan, for giving me the chance to share my story, I hope it offers comfort and advice to those who read it. And I hope it is successful in Macmillan's mission to get others to speak about their experiences too, no two cancer patients have exactly the same story, we can learn so much from just talking...
Thank you to New! Magazine and Macmillan, for giving me the chance to share my story, I hope it offers comfort and advice to those who read it. And I hope it is successful in Macmillan's mission to get others to speak about their experiences too, no two cancer patients have exactly the same story, we can learn so much from just talking...
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Kiss From A Rose - Extract 3 - My Biggest Battle, Losing My Hair
The third extract I have chosen describes the most painful part of my battle, losing my hair. At the age if 16 I was devastated to be told my hair would fall out as a side effect from my chemo, at a time when I wanted to go out with my friends, get to know boys, and take pride in my appearance I felt incredibly robbed of normality. Losing your hair is such a physical effect of the medication, it makes it abundantly clear to everyone that you are ill. Even if you are having a good day, with no hair, eyebrows or eyelashes, every time you walk past a mirror or glance at your reflection there is no escaping the reality. Here is how I felt when, after a a few weeks on chemo, I came face to face with my nightmare.
My Biggest Battle, Losing My Hair
My Biggest Battle, Losing My Hair
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Are They Finally Starting To Listen?
There is an article in the paper today, finally raising awareness about Oncology waiting times on the NHS and GPs' reluctance to recognise the possibility of Cancer amongst young adults and children. The Mirror has a two page spread about the importance of medical staff sitting up, and listening to young people when they complain of pains and discomfort. But the blame is placed completely on shoulders of the Government, and the cuts made by the coalition this year. Not entirely fair I feel, as this has been an ongoing problem for years. Certainly when I was initially diagnosed in 2001 Labour was in power, and Britain was enjoying reasonably economic stability - to the public's knowledge anyway. So where else should we be looking? Who else should we be telling to open their eyes? How about the doctors?! The people we turn to when we become aware there is something wrong, when we need reassurance, when we need help. It is these people that often present our first hurdles, who turn us away and tell us nothing is wrong, who encourage us to carry on with life and ignore the problem. It seems that rather than make a referral, many would rather make a mistake! And GP's must be made accountable for these mistakes, one in six young people are diagnosed with cancer everyday in the UK now, everyday! These statistics are too significant to ignore, and if it is a matter of educating our doctors, young and old, then it must be done, too many teens and children are being denied the chance to fight.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
BBC News 24 Interview
A further interview on the BBC about the recent report from Cancer Research into the benefits of eating right and exercising more in the fight against Cancer.
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