Background

Helen was dealt her hardest challenge yet and sadly it has taken its toll. In November 2020 after a year of illnesses Helen was diagnosed with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (an incurable cancer) in both her spleen and bone marrow with a rare side effect of angioedema.Because of this Helen has been unable to work and this has impacted her ability to earn enough money to cover her living costs.

Inevitable change yet again!

When you have an incurable cancer it changes the way you think about everything.

You go through your chemo and as I did following chemo, my immunotherapy treatment. I have no immune protection and ended up in hospital with sepsis a couple of times.

I have been told to be safe time and time again as coming into contact with a cold could put me back in hospital - never mind Covid. Helen remains at high risk. (even at the end of May 23, I have had blood tests to see if I have sepsis again).

Exhausted and fatigued

The whole experience has been exhausting and fatigue is now part of my daily life. Psychologically it has been more than demanding, so much so I have weekly counselling.

Now on top of my cancer I have a large Thymus Cyst between my heart and lungs which leaves me breathless and fatigued .

Yoga and Therapy

During these last two years I have realised the importance of counselling to help me on this cancer journey. Initially I thought I could help with just teaching yoga but it’s clear to me now that counselling is where I want to help others in the future.

I have already started a mindfulness course but for me to help the cancer community I would need a recognised therapy qualification. So the project to raise sufficient funds goes on.