My name is Ellie and in 2024 at 20 years old I was diagnosed with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) a rare, aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
In February last year, I found a lump on the side of my neck, which I thought would go away. However, one week later it got bigger. I went to the GP, and they referred me to an ETN specialist in Aintree, who did an ultrasound and needle biopsy. Originally, the needle biopsy came back clear, however, given my family history, he wanted to do some further tests. I had part of the lump removed for testing.
On the 24th April, I was officially diagnosed with cancer and I was in shock. However, I told myself that I was going to remain positive and fight this.
After that everything moved very fast. I had chemotherapy ten days after my diagnosis and spent a lot of time in hospital having various tests. I had a pet scan which confirmed that I had cancer in both sides of my neck, armpit and chest. I was also told that I would need to have a stem cell transplant.
I was treated on the Teenage and Young Adult ward (TYA) at Liverpool, Clatterbridge. A dedicated social area which is exclusively for young people to mix with those of your own age. And thanks to the funding from the charity, the TYA unit are able to host different things such as an arts programme, a weekly lunch club on a Tuesday with snacks, a pizza day on a Thursday and days out. These are all welcome distractions.
Following chemotherapy, when it was confirmed that my cancer had reduced in areas, I was then transferred to the stem cell ward at Clatterbridge, where I had a stem cell harvest followed by a stem cell transplant. I remained on the ward for about six weeks. My official second birthday was the 10th September, when I had all my new cells put back in.
The staff at Clatterbridge on both the TYA and stem cell ward were amazing, and I can’t stop telling everyone about the care I received. All the staff were positive and welcoming, it felt like a family. Clatterbridge is one of the best hospitals and organisations ever.
In January this year I was told that I am now in full remission, which was the news I wanted to hear starting 2025. I will continue to have a pet scan every three months, but I can’t wait to get back to my driving lessons, as I want to be a paramedic.
Being on this journey has given me a deeper appreciation of life and I have gained so much from this experience. And that is why I want to give something back by supporting the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, as The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has done so much for me.
