Donna & Jan’s Race for Life

My Story

As many of you know, back in October/November 2018 I was going backward and forward to the doctor with chronic back pain. I then started losing the sensation in my legs and eventually my mobility. On 6th December, after having an mri scan, I was admitted to hospital where I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. The lymphoma had caused nerve compression in my back which subsequently caused my immobility. I was given 5 doses of radiation in one hit and had to have bone marrow taken from me, lumber puncture, biopsies and physio therapy. I was eventually discharged from hospital on 24th December 2018. On 2nd January 2019 I began a course of BEACOP chemotherapy. Luckily after having my interim PET scan it was confirmed I had had a complete response to treatment! On 7th May 2019 and after 6 bouts of gruelling chemotherapy I rang the “bell” to celebrate the end of my treatment. I was very lucky in having the most amazing support and encouragement from my wonderful family and friends, without them helping to keep me focused and positive and without their support I don’t think I’d have got through any of this without them! Now I would like to give something back as without all the research that goes into finding a cure for this awful disease I, like many other very fortunate people, would never be here to tell their story. I hope that one day with all the fundraising etc we will be able to cure cancer like we do the common cold! I am going to be doing the Race for Life with my wonderful aunt who has been by my side every step of the way. I’m currently working hard on my mobility, 6 months ago I was unable to even move my toes, today I’ve managed to walk 3k, I’m determined that I will manage the 5k walk.