About
Hello
I'm Jessica Sibthorpe and I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia on 2nd July 2015. I received four courses of chemotherapy and are currently having regular check ups.
At the time of my diagnoses, I was enjoying my summer break from studying my degree: 'BSc Media Production' at University Centre Farnborough.
Being diagnosed was a huge shock, as I didn't feel ill at the time and looking back, this was probably to scariest part of the whole process.
But I wouldn't let cancer get in the way of my life. I continued university while receiving my treatment, by long distance. Even though the nurses and doctors tried their best to talk me out of my decision, my determination continued and in January 2016, I physically returned back to uni.
As part of my degree, I had to carry out a project which would demonstrate everything I had learned over the past two years, and here it is, Leukaemia Awareness: Start Fighting Back.
Photos by Teenage Cancer Trust
Being a Young Adult
I was lucky enough to be transferred up to University College London Hospital, where I received treatment. This also meant I spent a lot of time at the Macmillan Cancer Centre (London), which was a huge privilege.
This transfer only happened due to only being 20 years old at the time, and therefore, I was classed as a young adult. The London hospital and centre specilised in young adults and I couldn't have asked to be anywhere better. The cancer centre has a whole floor dedicated to teenagers and young adults, funded by the charity Teenage Cancer Trust (click here to see more about the charity).
By being a young adult, I got to have my treatment in a less 'hospitalised' environment and I feel facing cancer at my age, was not as scary as I had imagined, thanks to the charity.