Hello world.
I'm mainly doing this for myself, as a form of journalling to document life for the next six years or so. But seeing as we pretty much post our entire lives online these days, here it is for anyone out there to read.
A bit about me:
I'm 23, turning 24 on December 2nd. I am currently taking a break from studying psychology, but will be returning in 2019 to start a PhD! On weekends, I spend time with my wonderful partner (of 4 years) Chris, and often times my fantastic parents and our quirky friends. I play Dungeons and Dragons, and have too many characters to count. I dabble in ukulele and singing. I enjoy a good craft beer, wine or interesting dish of deliciousness.
In June 2017, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 2-BES. I underwent 6 rounds of ABVD chemotherapy (12 treatments over 6 months). My last treatment was on the 1st of December, 2017. I lost all of my hair (losing the nose hair was the worst part). I had fun experimenting with wigs.
I managed to dodge any major surgery as well as any major chemo side-effects. I continued working and studying (because I was an insane over-achiever who didn't know how to relax). I officially went into remission in January 2018, and have continued recovering since. I can think clearly and have energy again, and my scars are healing up. The emotional side hit a few months after my last treatment, and I've been seeing a psychologist at the hospital to come to terms with it.
Due to my experience with cancer, I am a member of Canteen NZ, and have recently committed to 2 years on an advocacy group called Listen Up, which aims to advocate for the rights of, and address the views, opinions and concerns of young people experiencing cancer in their lives.
For the past two years I have been supporting autistic people from young children to young adults to develop their social confidence and mentoring them to navigate life. I have met some absolutely amazing people, and because of this, I am planning to delve into the field of Critical Autism Studies for my PhD. I have just recently handed in my notice at work, so that I can 1) have a holiday, and 2) focus full-time on my PhD for the next 3 years.
Because of the ridiculous journey my body has been through over the past couple of years, as well as the effect of being in love (talking about alllllllll the food), I'm not hugely happy with my body at the moment and want to stay healthy and reduce my risks of shitty-medical things happening again in future. Hence, I am making a start on going Keto! My parents have been doing it for a few months now and are really enjoying it, and seeing some awesome results. I love cooking so I'll likely be sharing some of my fantastic creations on this blog too.
So here we go... Welcome to the Adventures of a 20-Something-Year-Old.
I'm mainly doing this for myself, as a form of journalling to document life for the next six years or so. But seeing as we pretty much post our entire lives online these days, here it is for anyone out there to read.
A bit about me:
I'm 23, turning 24 on December 2nd. I am currently taking a break from studying psychology, but will be returning in 2019 to start a PhD! On weekends, I spend time with my wonderful partner (of 4 years) Chris, and often times my fantastic parents and our quirky friends. I play Dungeons and Dragons, and have too many characters to count. I dabble in ukulele and singing. I enjoy a good craft beer, wine or interesting dish of deliciousness.
In June 2017, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 2-BES. I underwent 6 rounds of ABVD chemotherapy (12 treatments over 6 months). My last treatment was on the 1st of December, 2017. I lost all of my hair (losing the nose hair was the worst part). I had fun experimenting with wigs.
 |
| Just three of the many wigs I had to play with! |
I managed to dodge any major surgery as well as any major chemo side-effects. I continued working and studying (because I was an insane over-achiever who didn't know how to relax). I officially went into remission in January 2018, and have continued recovering since. I can think clearly and have energy again, and my scars are healing up. The emotional side hit a few months after my last treatment, and I've been seeing a psychologist at the hospital to come to terms with it.
 |
| My diagnostic PET/CT scan - the big bits in the chest and armpit being lit up were the cancery bits. |
Due to my experience with cancer, I am a member of Canteen NZ, and have recently committed to 2 years on an advocacy group called Listen Up, which aims to advocate for the rights of, and address the views, opinions and concerns of young people experiencing cancer in their lives.
For the past two years I have been supporting autistic people from young children to young adults to develop their social confidence and mentoring them to navigate life. I have met some absolutely amazing people, and because of this, I am planning to delve into the field of Critical Autism Studies for my PhD. I have just recently handed in my notice at work, so that I can 1) have a holiday, and 2) focus full-time on my PhD for the next 3 years.
Because of the ridiculous journey my body has been through over the past couple of years, as well as the effect of being in love (talking about alllllllll the food), I'm not hugely happy with my body at the moment and want to stay healthy and reduce my risks of shitty-medical things happening again in future. Hence, I am making a start on going Keto! My parents have been doing it for a few months now and are really enjoying it, and seeing some awesome results. I love cooking so I'll likely be sharing some of my fantastic creations on this blog too.
So here we go... Welcome to the Adventures of a 20-Something-Year-Old.
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