Rosies Story 

In November/ December 2019, I began to feel unwell after a few tests nothing arose from it. Flash forward to the middle of February 2020 and I began to feel unwell with flu like symptoms, however due to commitments getting to see a doctor was a struggle! 

One Monday night I went to A & E at lister Hospital  in Stevenage. Tests where performed and nothing seemed alarming until an x-Ray was taken of my chest. It looked like a big grey shadow in the shape of a circle. From one side to another (from that moment on I haven’t looked at another of my scans it was so frightening). 

On the Wednesday I had a C.T Scan, then by Thursday at 8:30am, I was in a respiratory consultants office being told I  have a Tumor! This meant the need to run tests, have a Biopsy and it’ll be an operation at Addenbrookes in Cambridge  to remove it.

Within weeks what I would describe as “the most terrifying experience” having a CT guided biopsy on my  chest whilst awake, followed a week later with a Pet Scan also terrifying if you don’t like enclosed spaces. 

On 13/03/2020 I was Diagnosed with Lymphoma a type of blood cancer which comes as high or low grade and either Hodgekin or Non Hodgekins, all are very very different. At this point we just knew it was lymphoma as the biopsy had to be sent off for further testing.

Within a few weeks I had calls with Chemotherapy Nurses, told about infertility, hair loss, side effects, further scans, medication and what if the chemotherapy didn’t work. As you can imagine at 29 that’s a lot to take in and life changing ! At this point I was told its officially Non Hodgekins lymphoma, High Grade ( which means it’s actively growing), Diffuse large cell and very close to the heart. 

The next day I started medication and Chemo followed a week later. 

Whilst all this was happening the world stopped as Corona Virus shut everything down. I was put on the vulnerable list and not allowed to leave my house only for Chemo and Blood tests. This was a very challenging time for my family not being able to go to supermarkets, work and have personal support through this. We had to just dig deep and get through this on our own away from everyone.

After 6 rounds of chemo, I had a Pet scan at the end of August to see if the chemo has got rid of all the cancer. Unfortunately it hadn't all gone and it was a real low point in the journey. I thought I would be popping champagne and celebrating, it was a lot different.

I was then given the opportunity of Radiotherapy or leaving the cancer with possible relapsing and a stem cell transplant. After a hard chat with the professor at Mount Vernon about the risk of other cancers, side effects and what radio is all about. I pressed the go button and started treatment at the end of September for 3 weeks. 

This just like chemotherapy came with a lot of hardship for me, the pain was somewhat unbearable, 24 hour back pain, when I swallowed water it would burn and cause back pain, I was unable to eat, my body was really struggling to cope however here we are in November and I am feeling better and on the road to recovery.

The next scan is in January which I am hoping to go into remission. This will include further scans and tests and Breast Cancer screening as it was so close to the area.

I haven’t been able to work since February and for the forcible I really don’t know what my future work life looks like. However I am going on daily walks and when I saw Lymphoma Action post about a Santa run or walk in December. I got a group of strong supportive people to join me to do this and raise money for a charity that really needs our help. 

I’m yet to use many of their resources but I know in the future they are there for when I need them for my self, family, friends and anyone else that is going through a similar journey. 

We would love for you to donate even a £1 every little helps.

We have taken the Santa theme to a Christmas theme. With fancy dress and anything with a Christmas feel. 

We won’t be walking and running altogether some are running, some walking, all going off on staggered times on Sunday 6th December in Baldock.

Coming together in a outside socially distanced way at the end for a quick group celebration. We are sticking to the government guidelines and breaking no rules in the process of this. 

Everyone involved has been a massive support, checked in, and been there for me throughout this. It’s going to be such a special day and a great way to end 2020. 

You can follow my Journey on Instagram @rosie.tredgett 

If you would like to know more about the whole team give me a follow and I can point you in the right direction. 

The event will start around 12 midday on Sunday 6th December in Baldock Hertfordshire.

I will be posting the route so if you want to come say hello we are a friendly bunch or just give us a beep as you drive past.

Amy Kitchener, Sarah, Roselle and Georgina will be doing the run or walk closer to home in small groups or alone. As we are following government guidelines. I would love to have everyone together to do this event but its just not possible. If you would like to do the 5k this way please let me know. 

We are having a competition of best dressed ( myself being the judge ) and hopefully refreshments at the end.  If anyone would like to donate any small prizes/ cakes  for the team instead of donating that’s also welcome with big arms. The best way to contact me is through my instagram.

Thanks In advance for your support 

Rosie and the Rest of the Team

Below is information about the Lymphoma Action Charity What is Lymphoma Action ? 

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. They have been providing in-depth, expert information and wide-ranging support for over 30 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma. Their work drives improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of lymphoma. They are  here for everyone affected by lymphoma. https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/