I had experienced none of the classic symptoms of lymphoma. I was 37 and fit and healthy, with a new full time job role as well as being a mum of two. So I was shocked to receive an unusual diagnosis of both follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 2022 after being sent for tests on a lump in the soft tissue to the right of my nose.

Chemotherapy was gruelling, and it was a difficult time juggling treatment with motherhood. I finished my treatment in January 2023 and am currently on long term active monitoring because of the follicular lymphoma. For me, finishing treatment is where I felt my journey actually began as I had a lot to deal with emotionally and there was so much to process in terms of what had just happened.

Lymphoma Action’s Live your Life programme has been incredibly helpful, as it highlighted some of those unknowns that you may experience and worry about after cancer treatment. The online support meetings have also been really useful, particularly as they are grouped according to different situations and lymphoma types. Being on active monitoring brings its own set of challenges, so it is nice to share that space with people in the same situation.

My diagnosis certainly changed my perspective in life – you feel in control one minute and then cancer comes in and you realise you have little or no control over the big things that can happen to you. It was a hard lesson to learn, but it frees you up to appreciate the little things and when things are going well. I am grateful for this second lease of life and am really drawn to others who have gone through something similar.