Cancer | Psychosis | Paralysis

charlotte_crowl

Hi my names Charlotte I'm new here, thought I would share a short version of my journey so far.

It all started summer of 2007 when I was 17 and I found a lump under my arm, the doctors just told me it was my arm spray. It wasn't until November 2007 when I got nodules in my neck that I was taken more seriously and they sent me for a biopsy in early December. Everything seemed to blur into one after that and I found out I had Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, I was almost immediately admitted to the teenage cancer wards bloodtests and scans later I was told it was stage 3.



Things were going pretty smooth until I developed psychosis from the high steroid dose, it was crazy like I was locked in my body and someone else was in control (I called her cherona). Several emotional outbursts later and a few attempts at trying to harm myself, they final lowered my dose. I was a lot more stable mentally and I thought it would be plain sailing from then but it was far from that. Two weeks before my 18th birthday I had a strong dose of chemotherapy and my brain couldn't handle it, I got an extremely rare side effect where my whole body shut down within 3-4 hours I couldn't walk, talk or swallow and the doctors didn't think there was any coming back.

I carried on with chemo and intensive physio after a year I was able to walk but not unaided, unfortunately I got a viral infection that cause my mobility to relapse and my balance to go. I kept on with the treatment but it was having detrimental effects on my physical body. After 2 years of chemo I stopped and chose a holistic path. I have now been cancer free for 9 years although I still have a disability and many long term side effects I am walking, talking and grateful and I hope this can motivate and inspire others to not give up when times are hard

Ami2301

Hi @charlotte_crowl welcome to the community! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I am sorry for what you have been through, however your determination is truly motivating!

I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you around on the community!

Chloe_Scope

Hi @charlotte_crowl and thank you so much for sharing such a moving story with us all! I cannot imagine how that much have all been but your determination is evident and it's great to see you on the community! Is there anything particular we can support you with? Look forward to seeing you around the community  

Adrian_Scope

Hey @charlotte_crowl and a warm welcome to the community. 

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. It really sounds like you've been on quite the journey. Did you have much support at all from friends and family?

Very glad to hear you've been cancer free for nearly a decade now, as I'm sure many people here will take heart from what you've said.

I hope we'll see you getting involved around the community and if you ever need any support or advice, please don't hesitate to ask.

Matt_Scope

wow now that's a positive story, thanks for that. 

charlotte_crowl

@Ami2301 thank you

charlotte_crowl

@Chloe_Scope thank you not at present but I will be sure to let you know if anything comes up

charlotte_crowl

@adrian_scope thank you, my family really were amazing and played a huge part in me getting back on my feet........I learnt a lot about friends and was able to find a bunch of diamonds throughout the process. It really showed me who truly was there for me

charlotte_crowl

@Matt_scope Thank you

Adrian_Scope

That's really good to hear @charlotte_crowl. Too often we hear of people feeling a bit abandoned during the onset of a health condition, so I'm glad to hear you found people who could support you!