As many of you know, at the age of 23 I was diagnosed with a #Ewingssarcoma, a very aggressive bone cancer, on my lower spine. I am still stunned to say it has been 6 years since I finished my treatment, and though much time has passed, it is a period of my life that will remain very clear in my memory (when I wasn’t suffering from #chemobrain that is 🤦🏽♀️). Having seen the call out from my museum sister from another mister in the north @scienceandindustrymuseum as part of their ‘Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope’ exhibition (on until 27 March #plug), and serendipitously given that I received (and continue to!) the most amazing treatment at #TheChristie in Manchester, I wanted to share a little story I posted early on in my treatment on my cancer blog (https://blob-and-i.tumblr.com) Please let me present to you for my #CancerRevolutionStories the incomparable June: This is June. I have had her since my childhood, and though she is a little worn she is still as beautiful as ever. She has been present at every hospital stay I have had from having tonsils out when I was about 7 to having cancer treatment at the age of 24. She may be an inanimate object but it’s easy to forget how you can look at them and instantly feel safe and happy again. And when there is no one (or no cat) there to cuddle, they can make you feel less lonely in an instant. No need for talking or if there is then no judgement, good or bad. It may seem childish to continue to have use for a teddy bear, but she is a symbol of my childhood long since left behind, and now when times are hard, she’s a reminder of so many good things. This teddy bear has never done anything bad to me nor I to her. So now she is here with me through my extensive hospital stays (and of course when I’m recovering at home) to serve as a reminder that there are good things when I’m feeling down - I just have to look at her and I end up smiling. And so this is June. She is a part of keeping me going through this horrid treatment like everyone else is (not that she has much of a choice) and therefore is more than deserving of a special mention… Pretty deep for a teddy bear, right?
