Name: Josephine
Current age: 39
Age at diagnosis: 23
Cancer Type: Hodgkins Lymphoma
Time spent in remission (if any): 15 years
What brings you to this site?
As a long-term survivor of HD, I thought I would be able to share my experience with those that are undergoing treatment at the moment and provide support.
Favourite quote:
"Work like you don’t need the money, sing like no one is listening, dance like no one is watching and love like you’ve never been hurt."
Favourite colour/ music/ book/ food/ hobby and why:
Colour: Red
Music: At the moment: Lily Allen, Anthony & The Johnsons, iOTA.
Book: Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coehlo; The Adrian Mole Diaries by Sue Townsend.
Movie: Rocky Horror Show and Cinema Paradiso
Food: I like everything but in particular, Italian food
Hobby: Cooking and belly dancing (not at the same time!) - I find them both therapeutic and enjoyable.
My top three tips for healing…
- Take each day, one day at a time - otherwise thinking too far ahead can become overwhelming.
- Feel it. Don't bury your emotions. If you want to cry - do it.
- Be good to yourself. Write a list of all the things you enjoy doing and when you are having a good day, try and do something that is on that list. It can be something as simple as running a delicious hot bath and soaking in it with your favourite music playing, buying that book/CD you have always wanted or treating yourself to that extra scoop of double chocolate ice cream.
What I would have changed about my hospital experience...
The waiting! Waiting for results, waiting to take blood, waiting for treatment, waiting for more tests - waiting....
The things that help/ helped me get through treatment...
Talking about how I felt.
Being around the people I love.
Making life as "normal" as possible on the chemo-free weeks.
Lots of hugs.
Surviving cancer has made me a better person because...
It has made me more accepting of the things I can't change and the difficulties faced in everyday life. I no longer beat around the bush - I say what I think.
The most important lesson I’ve learnt in life….
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Appreciate those around me and what I have.
Live and love to the fullest.
The people I love and why…
My family and my closest friends. They have been such an amazing support and always fun to be around. They know what makes me laugh and when I need them, they are there for me.
Happiness is...my health, my family, friends and my 2 dogs.
Any final remarks?
Ask questions - if you aren't sure about something - don't be afraid to ask your specialist. It's not an easy fight but believe in yourself and your strength - you can do it!
Thanks for being our feature Revive member Josephine!!
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You can also read more inspiring stories in our Member Interviews Archive