How meeting others with similar experiences helped me through cancer
Cancer had been a big part of Freddie’s life since he was diagnosed with an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma at just two years old. He relapsed a few years later and again in 2023. He talked to us about how his experience of cancer was different with Teenage Cancer Trust, and the once in a lifetime opportunity of being onstage at the Royal Albert Hall during our annual concert series.
My cancer journey
Saying that cancer hasn’t formed a part of who I am would be a lie. Going through it at such a young age meant I grew up in the medical world, making me a very resilient person. Cancer sucks more than words can ever express and having four cancer diagnoses in my life sucks even more, but cancer shouldn’t stop you from living your life. I’ve always fought through it with the knowledge that for a short while, my life will be miserable, but once the treatment is over, I’ll be free to return to a normal life - well, as normal as the life of a recovering cancer patient can be.
I’m now well onto the road of recovery, post-treatment, and regaining normality in my life. I am on oral maintenance chemo, but will be able to go back to the University of Canterbury in September, where I study architecture.
First experience of Teenage Cancer Trust Unit
I first heard about the Teenage Cancer Trust when I was diagnosed with my astrocytoma in 2015. I was seen under oncology on the Teenage and Young Adult floor at the Macmillan Centre – a space created by the charity. The waiting areas were very welcoming with plenty of things to do, including a pool table, table football, and plenty of books, arts and crafts. They even had a jukebox!
Meeting Youth Support Coordinators
It wasn’t until my rhabdomyosarcoma relapse in the Summer of 2023 that I met Andre and Tom, the Youth Support Coordinators for the Teenage Cancer Trust in London. They were both friendly, kind, easy to talk to, and often up for playing games. Waiting for appointments can be quite lonely, but being able to chat and play pool with Andre was great and meant I could have some fun whilst waiting.
Having access to the YSCs was extremely important as it meant I had someone to talk to about my wellbeing in a more casual way than with a doctor or psychologist. With the YSCs, it’d often be about things such as how my day was and what I’d been up to.
Peer to peer support
I was invited to Teenage Cancer Trust events such as axe-throwing and ping-pong. These events were a brilliant way of connecting with people who’ve been through similar experiences, which was vital to making me feel less isolated. My friends often didn’t fully understand what it feels like to go through cancer, especially for the fourth time in my life.
Once in a lifetime experience at Royal Albert Hall Concert
The highlight of my experiences with the charity had to be the final night of the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall. I got to watch all the performances from a box, with a direct view of the stage. I also got to meet acts including: Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Paul Weller, and Eddie Vedder.
The night had so many amazing moments, but the best was going on stage for the finale. All the acts performed The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley’ – a song I love. To experience that song live on stage was an incredible moment, one I’ll never forget.
I’m so fortunate to have had experiences like this; to be able to attend the concert and so many other great events where myself and other cancer patients can just be ‘normal’ and live life a bit, having fun and socialising in a non-hospital setting.