Hi! I'm Oliwia​
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"Hi, my name is Oliwia, and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I was 18, at the end of my first year of uni.
The struggles of notable significance I’ve had so far are probably the slightly daunting spark I get whenever I have to inform someone new of my condition (like the thought of telling my friends disturbed me for a while), the random stares and comments I get in public because of being a bald woman (but they’re all simply curious folk in the end, aren’t they?).
Then there were the days of nausea, constipation and low blood pressure (I kept fainting when I stood up) experienced during my worst days. The gastroparesis when I was in hospital for a few days due to neutropenia and the infections in general (due to low immune system from chemo) was something else too.
I spent my 19th birthday in the hospital. I was stuck in my bed, had started losing large chunks of my hair just that day, I was in constant pain everywhere, my guts on fire, fatigue from spending some sleepless nights in A&E and every hour or so some nurses were coming in checking me and giving me antibiotic injections and blood tests. At times I question, why do I have to fight this? But I’ve been using this chemo time to create more of my nature oil paintings and develop my art career. I’ve been selling at some markets and exhibitions. The fear, anger and sadness that you and others close to you feel is valid. Lean into your support, because there’s a lot out there for you. I want to tell anyone going through the motions, that truly you are not alone. For instance, Teens Unite. I didn’t know anyone around my age with cancer before, but now I know plenty. I love the mutual understanding and bliss of hanging out in a casual way with friendly and chill people. Everyone feels like my family. The activities they organise never fail to make me laugh too, so sign up whenever you get the chance. I’ve got good friends I wouldn’t have had before. They’ll support you at any stage.
