In April 2024 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, after finding a lump in my neck and experiencing itching and breathing difficulties. Although my husband and I had speculated that I was likely to have the condition, it was still a shock and I worried about how it would affect our five-year-old daughter.

I completed my last course of chemotherapy in July 2024. The period after treatment was when I really felt lost and emotional. Returning to a new normal hasn’t been plain sailing. I am nervous about the next couple of years, but I am learning to take each day as it comes and make the most of things without overthinking.

Lymphoma Action have been an enormous source of support. I was given their book when I had my diagnosis and contacted the Helpline with questions I had around my chemotherapy. The thing I found most useful was the Closed Facebook Support Group. On day one of treatment I posted on the group and the messages were so helpful. I was feeling very sick at the time, but others talked about how that tended to subside within two days, which was reassuring. I also connected to someone who was having the same treatment as me, which made the experience less lonely. I felt like I had found a community who are willing to share and help, but not to judge.