A TEENAGER from Bracknell has written a blog about being diagnosed with cancer and the impact it has had on her and her mental health.
Here, 13-year-old Evie Shallom shares her story to raise awareness of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supports families caring for a seriously ill child, and has been supporting her whole family.
Introducing myself
Hi, my name is Evie and I’m 13. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma cancer when I was eight years old. After long years of treatment, I finally went into remission which I’m so grateful for and very lucky to have finally got there in the end.
I fought cancer, and now I’m fighting the after effects of the toxic treatments I had to endure. As well as going through physical struggles, it also takes its toll on suffering emotionally and mentally.
I have come a long way and I’m a lot better than I was but unfortunately I’m still struggling daily with chronic pain and the lasting effects from the treatment.
Feeling isolated
I’m unable to walk longer than a few meters at a time and I’m in a wheelchair. I have home schooling and I go into school for an hour for a lesson with a teacher. I also try to go into school once a week at lunch to see friends but it’s very exhausting.
It gets lonely being at home and not being included at sleepovers and meeting in town because, even though I might not be able to go, it’s the thought of inviting which counts.
Emotions
If you’re fighting a serious illness, it’s common having emotions all over the place. I would be happy one moment, sad or angry the next. The most common emotions I experienced was feeling low, anxious, scared and angry at times. It’s completely normal and it does get better.
Understanding mental health
I rarely talk about how I feel through social media, but it is important for me to help others, whether this helps you realise you aren’t alone with feeling these emotions and even if you aren’t suffering with mental health yourself, these types of posts may help you understand other people’s mental health.
Does anything help?
I’ve found there are small things that make an impact sometimes. With anxiety, I’ve found writing your thoughts down sometimes helps. Also, things like scrapbooking and bullet journaling are helpful to relax and keep your mind busy.
If you could find what’s important to you, surround yourself with that and remember you’re not alone.
I’ve found knowing people with cancer and making friends with those people gives you a type of support which you can’t get anywhere else. You can support each other and understand what each other is going through.
It didn’t happen straight away for me although I met a girl called Ellie on Instagram a few years ago and we’ve met quite a few times and talk quite often.
How has Rainbow Trust helped?
My Family Support Worker Ema has helped me to go out and chat, we sometimes go to town and Costa and it helps give my mum a break so I can go out without mum having to push me in my wheelchair. Having Ema come round helps.
I have an Instagram where I post photos and updates on how I am and if you’re reading this and this post is somewhat relatable, I’m always here if you’d like someone to talk to.
@evieshallom.blogs is my instagram.
Rainbow Trust is a national charity providing practical and emotional support to families to help them make the most of each new day. It relies almost entirely on donations and helps more than 2,500 families through its eight care teams in England. To find out more visit rainbowtrust.org.uk
