“I had had a really bad pain in my leg, and it was difficult to walk. My parents thought they should take me to the local hospital to get it looked at. The hospital sent me for an x-ray, and very quickly, I was diagnosed with a sarcoma.
Although they were extremely worried, my parents were very keen for me to come to London for my treatment, as they knew that University College Hospital was the best place in the world for sarcoma treatment for people of my age.
The staff were so kind
I was in London less than two weeks later. I was really nervous before I came, but everyone made me feel so comfortable, and the staff were so kind that I didn’t stay worried for long. I love all the staff, but nurses Izzy and Erica always make me smile.
My consultant is Dr Maria Michelagnioli, and she has been brilliant at explaining my treatment clearly to me, so I know what is going on at every stage. There is also Venus, who is one of the advocates at University College Hospital. She helps to translate when I don’t quite understand, and she is always there to help us through our days at the hospital. She really makes a difference to me and my family.
Having my family here helped
My treatment includes cycles of chemotherapy, but I am well enough to live away from the hospital and just come in for treatment, which is nicer than staying here every day. I am with my parents and one of my sisters, Malak, and we are living in a flat close by. I am so glad they can be here with me, as it makes me feel a lot better. I often feel tired for a couple of days after a round of chemotherapy, but it doesn’t take me long to feel OK.
One of the hardest moments I have had is when my hair started to fall out. At first, I cried. But then I realised it isn’t something to worry about; it’s only hair, and it’s going to grow back. Now I get to try on loads of different wigs and can really enjoy playing with my hair. So, I would say to anyone else coming for treatment like this, please don’t let that part worry you – it can be quite fun!”
