“If you’re struggling to see the light, I want you to know that things do get better”
Charlotte was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at 23 years old. Here, she talks about the difficulties of getting a diagnosis, the side effects of treatment and what inspired her to launch a line of gifts and accessories in aid of Blood Cancer UK.
While I was enjoying my final year at the London College of Fashion, I discovered a lump near my breast. Being terrified of anything medical, I tried to ignore it. I thought it would eventually disappear, but more lumps appeared.
As the lumps grew, so did the pain. This resulted in me dropping out of University as I couldn’t keep up with the work, which was very upsetting for me. Fighting through my anxiety and selective mutism, I finally managed to get the courage to go to the GP, who then referred me to a breast cancer clinic.
This is when things got really tough…
Check out Charlotte's online shop
If you love Kingfisher's, then you'll want to get your hands on something from this beautiful collection of T-shirts, sweatshirts and gifts. Every sale will help to beat blood cancer.
Anxiety and selective mutism took over my life, and for a year, I was in and out of hospital trying to get a biopsy. Needles are my biggest phobia, and so I was unable to have a biopsy for a long time. Each appointment was with a different doctor, and it felt as if no one could understand my anxiety and panic attacks. So, I was sent home each time, feeling as if there was no one who could help me.
Through research, I discovered it was possible to get a biopsy under anaesthesia, which the doctors agreed was the best path forward. During my biopsy, they discovered that my lymph node was now the size of a golf ball and decided to remove it instead.
By this time, every lymph node was affected. Sitting down was extremely painful, due to having lumps in my groin. I also suffered from night sweats, extreme itchiness, weight loss and fatigue.
When the biopsy results came through, we discovered I had Hodgkin lymphoma. I was then sent to the Macmillan Cancer centre where things got a lot better!
At first, I panicked, cried and refused to have chemo, but the doctors understood my needs. My lovely social worker from Young Lives vs Cancer was there at every appointment for support.
It was a long six months of having chemo every fortnight, but somehow, I made it!
The side effects from treatment were extremely difficult to deal with. I had no idea how to cope. The doctors gave me a mountain of information booklets and medicines to help me manage my nausea, which hardly helped.
Each day became torture. I could not eat, certain things made me nauseous, and I was in constant pain. I also had extreme fatigue, constipation, and skin sores. When I was fighting cancer, I just didn’t have the time or energy to research what could help.
That’s when the idea of Comfort Crate was born!
I created my very own online store called Comfort Crate, which features a monthly subscription box with tips, tricks and guides to help people cope with cancer, both practically and emotionally.
My aim is to make life during cancer treatment and recovery a little more fun and a lot more comfortable!
Giving back to the cancer charities that helped me is so important to me. I can't thank them enough for what they have done for me. That’s why 20% of profits from my subscription crates, as well as products in my online store, will be donated to cancer charities.
Why I chose to support Blood Cancer UK
I chose to support Blood cancer UK because they supported me throughout my treatment and even now with their research into Covid.
I found the information that I was given when I was diagnosed overwhelming. Then I came across Blood cancer UK’s website. Their information was a lot easier to digest, and it helped me come to terms with my diagnosis.
My favourite part on the website is the ‘Blood cancer and young adults' section’, which has many videos of young people speaking about their experiences. Being a young adult with cancer felt lonely but hearing from others going through the same thing helped build my confidence. It inspired me to share my story and tips to help others.
That is why I have teamed up with Blood Cancer UK
I have partnered up with Blood Cancer UK to launch a line of gifts and accessories featuring one of my illustrated designs. I chose to use a Kingfisher in my design, because for me, the Kingfisher encourages you to overcome your fears.
It also represents good fortune and freedom. All profits from items with this illustration will be donated to Blood Cancer UK.
I want everyone out there who is struggling and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel to know that things do get better. I am now in remission, and able to use my experiences and passion for design and fashion to help other people facing cancer. Remember, there are lots of incredible people and organisations out there to help you!
If you're worried about or have questions about blood cancer, the impact of coronavirus, or would like to talk through how you're feeling, please don't hesitate to contact our free and confidential Support Services Team.
