When I was 20, I was diagnosed with medulloblastoma brain cancer. I was in my final year of college and suddenly my world had completely stopped. My days were now determined by appointments, scans, hospital stays and, most importantly, filled with fear of the treatment yet to come. 

As time went on during radiation, I became sicker and weaker, vomiting multiple times a day and losing my strength to walk and do simple activities. One of the hardest parts, however, was losing my hair. I felt that it was such a big part of me that I lost and this, alongside all the symptoms radiation brought me, made it all feel so real. 

Last year I got the opportunity to speak alongside a panel at the CAYAS conference. Being able to meet and speak with so many like-minded individuals who were going through treatment, in remission, had a family member affected, or working with those with cancer was an amazing experience. I am grateful to have had the chance to share my story, in the hopes that there was somebody that might relate to what I am saying, especially if they are a young adult, as cancer can be so isolating at such a transitional stage of life.

Recovery is not something that happens overnight, but a long, tiring road to feeling somewhat the way you felt before you were sick. It teaches you to be patient with your body’s healing, no matter how frustrating it may be.

Ella recorded an episode of Gold Ribbon Conversations last year. You can listen here.