Positive Stories Series: Taylor's Story. A Family Perspective

Seeing loved ones go through cancer:

At the age of seven, I watched both my Nan and Granddad end their battles with cancer just a year apart from each other. I didn’t anticipate watching any other loved ones go through the same.

 
In the June of 2014, a couple of days before sitting my A-Level exams, it felt as though my world came crashing down. My dad was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. I cannot even begin to underpin a single emotion I was feeling but it was an amalgamation of sadness, fear and anger.



I remember asking my dad how he was feeling after he had been diagnosed and I was taken aback when he responded with “ok”. He said that receiving a diagnosis was much better than not knowing what was wrong, despite me feeling like this was the worst possible scenario. 

 
My dad’s strength throughout his chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery is definitely the reason why he is still with us today.
I believe that his positive mental attitude worked as a catalyst for his treatments, shrunk his tumour to a stage 1 so that it could safely be removed through surgery and helped him to get the ‘all clear’ in 2018. Encouraging him to stay positive was my daily goal. 

 
I learnt many things about supporting those who have been diagnosed with cancer through my dad’s fight and I am still learning as I watch Chantal stand up to her Brain Tumour.

 

Don’t try to understand

 

I tried many times to understand how my dad was feeling, why he wasn’t crying even though I was and why he didn’t appear to be scared despite my increasing fears. Eventually, I decided to stop trying to understand as people react to these situations in different ways.

 
Do the things you all love
Even after diagnosis, my dad wanted to lead a totally normal life and continued working full-time until the day of his surgery. I made sure that he felt normal and didn’t question anything he wanted to do because he “wasn’t well” - instead I joined him. Looking ahead, I am determined to support Chantal with her fundraising ventures, whatever the activity!

 
Cherish every moment
This was my mantra that I still live by today. I took my dad to Lanzarote during his treatment and watched him holiday like any other person there. This summer, I spent 10 days in beautiful Rhodes with Chantal and we made unforgettable memories. Every second of every day is a monumental milestone and as a support system, it’s up to you to help your loved ones live life to the full.

 
My number one rule for seeing loved ones go through cancer is never underestimate the value of your presence and positivity!

By 2020 I am aiming to have raised £5000 for The Brain Tumour Charity to help #FindACureSooner and ensure continued support and readily available resources for patients and families of those who have Brain Tumours. Please click on the link and donate, if all of my readers donated £1 I would have met my target already! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/moneyforbrains

Comments

  1. Chlorella is rich in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient for our cells. In particular, it is an important dietary supplement for anyone who eats little or no meat, such as vegetarians, vegans, and the elderly. Three grams of Chlorella Echlorial contains the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12.

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