Sophie Angell, 15, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in November 2018. She tells us about her return to school, what she’s learned from her experiences and offers some advice to others.
When a cancer diagnosis is thrown at you, the main priority becomes your health. Things like education, meeting friends and eating dippy eggs are all suddenly put on hold and many things change.
On the 2 November 2018, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Throughout the first six months of my treatment, I was faced with many challenges and I found the experience really tough. The thing I found most difficult was returning to school for the first time.
I felt distanced from my peers because my mum became my best friend and I was too tired to sit through multiple lessons. My school was brilliant with offering support. I began by just coming into school for lunch or break so I could catch up with friends and then I built it up by going to my favourite lessons.
Even though I was going into school I was still missing out on my education, so my mum contacted a team that worked for the council. They were a group of tutors who taught children at home who weren’t able to go to school. My tutor, Sue, was amazing and I still carry the valuable skills she taught me. Sue allowed me to not worry about being behind on work, this then helped with the transition back into school.
School can be a daunting place for many people, but especially for those who have missed so much of it. Pushing yourself to go is very important - otherwise you’ll never do it - but knowing your personal limits is just as vital. I used to compare myself to my peers and think: “I need to stay at school because everyone else can.” I had to remind myself that my situation was totally different. Once I reached the maintenance part of my treatment (for two years) I had monthly chemotherapy, so returning to school was more manageable. My aim was to go back full time, but I understandably had days when I couldn’t go in, due to appointments or fatigue.
Then Year 10 came - the year I started my GCSEs. I had four months left of treatment but COVID put us all out of school again! But actually, home learning was a blessing in disguise for me. I could wake up later, meaning I was less tired and could catch up on my work more easily. When I finished my treatment in January this year, I regained my strength and I didn’t get tired as quickly. This meant I was really looking forward to schools reopening.
Since I’ve been back, I haven’t missed a day due to feeling unwell. I’m really enjoying the subjects I’ve chosen for my GCSEs, and especially art because I am really passionate about it.
I aspire to do a job that makes a difference and fulfils my love of creativity and the outdoors. I would like you to remember that you don’t have to be perfect to be successful, but with determination, you will reach the goals you want to achieve. Carry what you’ve learned throughout your diagnosis and don’t forget: the greater the storm, the bigger the rainbow.
