Current age:  22

Age at diagnosis:  19

Cancer Type:  Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia – finished treatment June ‘08

Time spent in remission: 2 1/2 years

Favourite quote:  “The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert Einstein

My top three tips for healing…  remain positive, do what your doctors tell you and set goals for what you want to do when you are healthy.

What I would have changed about my hospital experience...
I actually wouldn’t change anything. Despite it being a really hard time in my life, I trusted the doctors and nurses there to get me through and here I am.

The things that help/ helped me get through treatment...
Writing things down – For me writing was the best way to express my feelings. You can write anything you need to let out, no one is judging you.

Looking forward – I always reminded myself that leukaemia wasn’t permanent. Everyday of treatment was one day closer to treatment finishing. I planned for the future. I even went back to university part time during treatment.

Being positive – I tried to avoid worrying about dying. I felt I could be in the percentage of people that survive. I just kept saying and acting as if I would get through treatment fine and somehow I have!

Surviving cancer has made me a better person because...
I appreciate what I have more, my family, friends and just being alive and well. I realise that life is precious and you can’t always control what happens to you. I am also kinder to myself now, the little things don’t bother me as much.

The most important lesson I’ve learnt in life….
Be patient. All things pass. Sometimes it is hard to accept what is happening but eventually time will pass, and the hard times will become distant memories.

The people I love and why…
I love my family and friends. They have been through so much with me. My relationships with them are much stronger for it.

Happiness is...
Knowing you have the freedom to do whatever you want in this world and being well enough to do it.

Any final remarks?
I just want to say good luck to everyone. I hope you are all well in the future. Don’t get too down in the dumps, you can get through.

Thanks Stacey for your time!

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