After a doctors visit I was reassured it was just a rib
repairing from my fall. Then in August after a visit to Tauranga
Hospital's emergency department and some further tests, doctors
discovered the grapefruit-sized tumour that had grown around my
rib.
October 14 - the day I was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. It's
the kind of thing that I never thought would happen to me, but it
did. I didn't react at the time, my mind went blank as the doctor
explained some of the treatments I could be receiving. I parked my
emotions, I had to be strong for my mum. Cancer has such a grim
name, you only ever hear of the horrible stories of the people that
don't make it. People believe cancer is a death sentence. I knew
from the start that was not going to be me, I chose to be positive,
I chose to fight and I still am.
CanTeen has been there for me from the beginning, the staff and
members have assisted with keeping me positive. I have lost 12
kilos, been through many rounds of Chemotherapy, lost my hair, it
has not been easy but I have managed to stay strong thanks to the
amazing support I have been given.
Aside from the financial support CanTeen has provided, the peer
support network is a relief during the tough times. I am a normal
teenager going through an abnormal experience and to be in an
environment where this journey is familiar to everyone, those
around me have been there done that, and truly understand what I am
going through makes my situation that much easier.