by Josephine, 18

My name is Josephine and I’m 18 years of age. At this moment I’m in the University College London Hospital. The illness I have is Condara Sarcoma which is a form of cancer. It was Osteo Sarcoma before which is a hard form for cancer, which was in my leg and then it developed into a softer tissue which is called the Condara Sarcoma and it spread in my body. It felt like nothing was going on. It felt like normal, until you feel unwell. You start coughing and start being sick and then you go to the hospital and then you’re being told you’ve got cancer.

One of the ways that I cope is with distraction. Although I was very very unwell I made sure I had a book on my lap or had something. It keeps your mind off things you know.

At the teenage cancer unit on Wednesdays we have a patients’ support group where patients come together and we speak to each other about what we go through the things we go through like losing hair. Like I had my hair grow back and it felt great. It felt really soft and it felt really good and I thought it was something for them to look forward to.

When I strengthen people it makes me feel great about myself it helps me to deal with my situation as well and I think it’s a great thing because I’m doing two things at the same time I’m dealing with my situation greatly and I’m helping people deal with their situation as well. So it’s a wonderful thing.

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

• Cancerbackup
• Macmillan Cancer Support

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