We spoke with Aishah last Summer as she shared her experience of being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in late 2019. As Aishah got diagnosed just before we went into a lockdown, her experience has been particularly hard. Although, the support she has received from her family and the hospice has helped her to have hope and continue living.

In October 2019 Aishah thought she had a hernia, but when they gave her 10% chance of living a year, she couldn’t believe it. She was devastated, but has continue to stay strong and create memories whilst enjoying her life.

‘I still have days that are hard. I sometimes struggle, but I am trying to make the most of every moment.

The hospice has helped me to do this. Everything we have done has been over the phone and through zoom. They’ve recently started to open their services up, but I feel the virtual services work best for me. It’s great that they can offer such a variety of different services, whilst catering for everyone’s needs. The support is just amazing, and I really couldn’t have got through it without them.

My family have supported me all the way through my diagnosis, and they continue to support me, whenever they can. I am so grateful for my family. My son and daughter have been amazing. My son stayed with me when I needed him most. My daughter comes to see me every week with my granddaughter. It’s amazing to be able to spend time with them. I definitely don’t take the little moments we get to share together for granted because every moment is as precious as one another. 

Seeing my family grow over the last few years has been amazing, and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and develop to be strong, independent and caring individuals. I will forever be proud of them, and grateful for the moments they have shared with me.

I want them to be happy, love life and live it to its fullest.

I also have family in Tunisia, my partner lives over there. and I wanted to visit them before I couldn’t. I meet him 4 years ago, I never thought I would find love again. When I was diagnosed I pushed him away, it was hard, I didn’t want him to have to go through the hurt and pain. But just like my family in the UK, he has supported me through everything, and although we’re thousands of miles away from each other, we make time to make sure we get to speak every day.

 In June I was able to go over for 3 weeks and see them. It was beautiful, we made some amazing memories and enjoyed each other’s company, and whilst I was out in Tunisia, my partner and I got engaged, I couldn’t be happier. 

I got back the day before Tunisia went on the red list for travel restrictions. It was sad coming back, but it was also lovely to see my family back in the UK.

I would love to be able to go again, as long as the restrictions ease. It would be great to see them before the end of the year and then again at New Year, but we will have to see what happens. It’s nice to try and have things to look forward too, knowing I am going to create more memories withal my loved ones.

If anything I want to give people hope. Hope that with a diagnosis you can still create memories and have happiness. You can still make the most of your family and enjoy the little moments, as well as the big moments. Life is about living, diagnosis or no-diagnosis, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

I continue to speak to the nurses at the hospice and they continue to make sure I am managing my symptoms. My family and the hospice has helped me to live every moment to its fullest. I want everyone to believe they also have hope, to live life, their way.’

To find out more about the Wellbeing Centre, click here.