Getting diagnosed with cancer is a showstopper…

28th November 2025

…It’s not just the “oh no, I have cancer” part — it’s the whole life detour that comes with it. One minute you’re rushing between work and social plans, and the next, you’re being full-time project managed by a team of medical professionals.Everyone’s heard the basics about chemo — the bone-crushing nausea, the hair loss, the fatigue that feels like being hit by a truck made of wet cement.

But nobody warns you about the bonus round of side effects: hair falling out actually hurts (why?!), your skin turns to parchment, your fingertips peel, your mouth peels, and your nose and eyes start leaking for no apparent reason. Add tingling nerves, random itching, and voilà — the Cancer Cocktail.Still, the hardest part?

The abrupt stop to life as you knew it. Going from full throttle to full stillness is emotionally brutal. Even knowing the science behind it doesn’t stop the fear, the tears, or the boredom that follows.

Biggest lesson? Ask for help — and actually accept it.

Revolutionary, I know. But it works. Here’s what else I’ve learned along the way:

💬 Talk About Your FeelingsSeriously. Vent. Cry. Swear. Stoicism is overrated.

🧠 Get Professional SupportThere are many resources I believe. If you need them use them!!

🤝 Find Your Cancer CrewNo one gets it like someone who’s been there. My chemo buddy Lucy and my friend Bec keep me informed and sane.

🌿 Move a Little, Eat What You CanEven a stroll counts. Chemo burns energy like a marathon — refuel however you can.

🎨 Create SomethingMy Love Your Boobs jewellery project keeps me grounded, but any creative outlet helps — painting, writing, singing, whatever gets the energy out.

💖 Be Ridiculously Kind to YourselfRest, cry, laugh, repeat. Talk to yourself kindly. You deserve tenderness — from others and but more importantly from you.If you made it to the end — gold star for you Light, laughter, and love my peeps