My 10-Year Journey – from Cancer to Growth
10 years ago, just after giving birth to my daughter, they found a big lump on my neck. Even before the biopsy, I knew it wasn’t good. Soon after, I had my first neck surgery, then came radioactive iodine treatment, and four weeks of isolation from my family. To cope, I started running—too much, in fact—and ended up tearing the ligament in my left ankle, which led to double ankle surgery, months on crutches, and another round of isolation. During this time, I found out I was immune to the treatment, and my cancer was labeled “incurable.”
What followed were four more surgeries, 28 rounds of radiation, muscle spasms that left me unable to use my left arm for 8 months, and losing my voice for half a year. Mentally, I was broken. I cried most days, sometimes wishing I wouldn’t wake up. I was told I’d probably never run long distances again, and my company tried to quietly replace me. I felt useless, lost, and fell into a deep depression.
My husband tried to remind me of my worth, but I couldn’t see it. I felt old and redundant, not even 40 yet. But I started moving—slowly. I walked 20 floors instead of taking the lift and exercised, despite the pain. During the pandemic, I began running outside our tiny flat in London—6x6 meters of space, but it was a start. Eventually, I completed five half marathons.
Then came a chance to do an Executive MBA at Exeter. I always thought I wasn’t academic enough for something like that. I failed one module but pushed through and finished with Merit. That gave me the confidence I needed to reclaim my career, build, create, and surround myself with people who are good for me—and hopefully, I’m good for them too.
Physically, I started pushing myself even more to heal mentally. HIIT training became my passion. This year, I discovered HYROX, and even though most people thought I was crazy, I completed my first race in May and signed up for 7 more. I’m 47 now, and I’ve never felt better. My energy, self-esteem, and love for life are back. I’m working on projects I love, with people who get that I’m complicated, determined, and honest.
It’s been a 10-year journey, and I know so many of you are going through tough times too. When you’re in the thick of it, it feels impossible to see a way out. But you have to remember, the only person who can truly judge you is yourself. Others’ opinions don’t define your growth. Your own resilience and grit will carry you through. What seems impossible now could be the start of something better.