Finding Light in Adversity: Seven inspiring stories through head and neck cancer
A new collection of patient stories from Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK reveals how individuals facing head and neck cancer have discovered unexpected sources of strength, purpose and even joy during their treatment and recovery.
The seven contributors share remarkably similar themes despite their unique journeys. Almost all emphasise the power of maintaining a positive mental attitude, with many describing how they chose to “rise” above daily battles and reframe cancer as a challenge to be met head-on rather than a defining limitation.
“Cancer wasn’t going to define me. If anything it’s made me a kinder person, actively helping others negotiate the pathway through diagnosis, treatment and more importantly recovery” shares Hazel Turner, whose story exemplifies the transformation many experienced. Like several others, Hazel now dedicates time to helping others navigate their own diagnosis and treatment pathway.
The stories reveal how cancer became an unexpected catalyst for change. Anson Mackay discovered their nonbinary identity while training for an ultramarathon during recovery, finally achieving a goal they’d postponed for over a decade.
Many contributors found purpose through advocacy and education. Karen Liesching-Schroder’s campaigning efforts led to funding for a Late Effects Service clinic at Southend University Hospital. Susan Jones, a former principal lecturer, continues teaching through charity work and shares her patient experience in medical education programs. Immaculate Jeyakumar found purpose in “giving back”, raising money for charity, becoming a cancer ambassador and launched support sessions in Qigong and breathwork after being told there were no more medical interventions available.
The importance of community support emerges strongly throughout. Several contributors describe building new friendships through support groups and drawing strength from others’ experiences. Faith, humour, and finding “silver linings” helped many through their darkest moments.
John Powell’s practical advice about staying positive and maintaining the ability to swallow during treatment, despite the pain, demonstrates the valuable insights these stories offer to current patients. His observation that he’s “saving a fortune on razor blades” due to radiation effects shows how humour can lighten even difficult side effects. Sarah and Steve Howard also found shared humour important during the most difficult times of Steve’s treatment, helping them stay positive and appreciate each day as special.
These seven stories remind us that while head and neck cancer presents significant challenges, it can also reveal resilience we didn’t know we possessed and open unexpected doors to growth, purpose and connection.
Read the full stories:
If you’re facing head and neck cancer, remember you’re not alone. Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK provide support, information and connection throughout your experience.
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Help Beat Head and Neck Cancer
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).
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