Wellness
From worrying about catching COVID-19 when you’re already seriously ill to being forced to walk this terrifying journey alone, these are the stories of those who have been fighting cancer during the pandemic
Since the world went into lockdown, there have been numerous conversations about what it's like to have a baby during a pandemic, when friends and family can’t partake in the joy of bringing new life into the world. But what about the men and women battling cancer, who must undergo treatment alone, surrounded by strange, masked faces?
Some are dealing with the consequences of delaying going to the doctor in the first place out of fear of catching COVID-19. There’s also the uncertainty of whether their life-saving surgery or treatment will be postponed or cancelled, during which their condition may worsen. And then there is the validity of their suffering when the world is being ravaged by coronavirus, which in their weakened state might worsen their condition whether directly because of the virus or because caregiving priority is given to someone in better health.
As coronavirus continues to put unprecedented strain on health services across the world, cancer and other life-threatening conditions are, to some extent, forced down the priority list by this global emergency. Here, 10 brave individuals undergoing cancer treatment share their story.
Darrel Amrani-Roshier, 22, UK
“I was diagnosed with neuroendocrine, a rare terminal cancer, with 12 months to live. The hardest thing about going through treatment during the pandemic is having to walk this journey alone. Sometimes you just need a friendly face to tell you it’s OK, but unfortunately, you can’t have that support at the moment in the hospital.
“I don’t think the pandemic has changed how I speak about my cancer, as I’m an open and honest person, but I do think it's made people listen and pay more attention. The message I've got for others like me is to stay strong and hopeful. There are days where we feel like we can’t go on, but we can. And if anyone needs a friendly face, just a chit-chat, please contact me.”
Crysta Balis, 38, Canada
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, all surgeries were postponed because of COVID-19 and the follow-up tests to explore what might be metastasis [the spread of cancer cells to new areas of the body] were not available. Treatment options drastically change depending on the cancer type or spread, but there were no options to 100 per cent confirm what I had. I had to make blind decisions based on speculation, and I’ll never know if I made the wrong ones.
“Throughout my treatments, I was terrified to be in public. Some of my most important meetings were over the phone or Zoom. The first time I met my surgeon in person was on the operating table when she signalled a smile by wrinkling her eyes over her mask. It was also difficult when my chemotherapy regimen coincided with things opening up a little bit. We had to restrict our bubble even more at a time when others could enjoy more freedom. But now, everyone is getting COVID-19 fatigue. I try not to take it personally when people I know complain that the restrictions are stupid, but it’s hard. The restrictions protect me and my family.”
Tara Maxwell, 42, US
“In the beginning, though my [breast cancer] diagnosis was still at the forefront of everything, the unknown of the pandemic made my fears that much more intense. It was another layer of worry that had to be worked through. I worried about my three children bringing in 'extra germs'.
“But the pandemic being intermingled with my entire cancer adventure has added another dimension to what I appreciate more: my children, husband, friends and everyday life. I may be terrified and have blips of doubt that my life won't continue as I plan, but I also know I can't control everything. This simple fact helps me focus on the most important parts of each day.”
Mary Evans, 28, UK
“My breast cancer is stage one, grade three. There has been no escape, no catch-ups with friends over lunch or a takeaway with your family to take your mind off it. So I think I’ve had to face it more. COVID-19 has certainly made me passionate about ensuring other young women aren’t scared to go to the GP. I was scared because of coronavirus, but if I didn’t go when I did, I may not have been here today.”
Kelly Hutton, 46, New Zealand
“I was three rounds into chemotherapy for ovarian cancer when we went into lockdown. You’re already immunocompromised, in a fight for your life and then along comes COVID-19 which, while you’re in your current state, could kill you. It was heartbreaking and terrifying. You’re one of the ‘vulnerable’ people mentioned on the news. My life was suddenly being deemed of less worth than someone of the same age who was healthy. If I died of COVIDd-19 complications, people would say, ‘Well, she had cancer anyway.’
“I was quite public about my diagnosis and posted regularly on social media during treatment. Because everyone around you and across the world is in an ongoing state of disbelief and fear, I almost felt guilty at times—no one needs more bad news filling up their news feed. But I did discuss it and was inundated with unexpected amounts of support and encouragement as a result.”
Dr Karen Walsh, 37, Ireland
“I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2019. Due to COVID-19, my CT scans were delayed and unfortunately, when they did happen I was told it had spread to my lung.
“COVID-19 has left me feeling very frightened about the future of cancer care. It appears trials for new cancer treatments have been suspended. Charities have suffered due to a lack of fundraising from various events that should have happened in 2020. On the other hand, I have been amazed at the speed at which vaccines have been trialled and approved. It gives me some hope of what might be possible for cancer research in the future.”
Tara Innes, 36, UK
“I've been fortunate that my treatment continued without any changes during the pandemic. The first lockdown was during my chemotherapy. I had been isolating and had been super careful throughout as I was immunocompromised. Then once everyone else had to stay at home, it actually helped me to feel less isolated and reduced the FOMO.
“I felt more understood, too. I suppose there were other advantages—I didn't have to see anyone in person when I had no eyelashes or my hair was at a really awkward stage of regrowth. I try to focus on the positive aspects and remain optimistic that things will get better. I'm just glad to be here.”
Andrea Zanini-Hooey, 42, Canada
“Homeschooling my kids while having chemotherapy is a challenge. I'm constantly tired and not feeling well. I'm not the fun mom I want to be. But I feel very fortunate—I have a roof over my head and thanks to friends, coworkers and wonderful people in my community, I have food in my fridge. A wonderful friend started a GoFundMe, which helped immensely with medical expenses. My husband was able to continue working throughout the pandemic and we are making ends meet. I know so many are not so lucky.”
Ali Underhill, 42, UK
“My biggest concern was catching COVID-19 while immunocompromised and that happened. It was very hard mentally switching from being shielded to suddenly feeling like every time I breathed or touched something I could be infecting others. Suddenly I was the threat. I ended up in the hospital for about a week while my body fought it off. It then took two months to finally test negative for the virus. During this time, my chemotherapy still went ahead.
“Because of the pandemic, it is easy to hide away and potentially get more isolated or withdrawn, which is unhealthy. I make myself reach out regularly. Everyone is suffering and grieving. Some think I’ve got it worse, but actually having a treatment plan that you follow each week has provided stability and familiarity during these times.”
Niki Turner, 53, UK
“The hardest part is the uncertainty and isolation. That said, it takes a lot to slow me down. So selfishly, I’m grateful for lockdown—it’s forced me to take time out and not feel guilty. Trying to navigate breast cancer with the onset of COVID-19 was like being stuck in the trenches with bullets raining at you from both sides. But, in the immortal words of Gloria Gaynor—I will survive.”
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