Diagnosed the night before her wedding: Katherine’s story
- Hodgkin lymphoma
Category: Podcast
Lauren faced two bone marrow transplants by age 23
Perth-based Lauren Menegola was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at age 21. After a number of gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, Lauren underwent an unrelated bone marrow transplant. Just as life was getting back on track for Lauren, she was told that she had relapsed - just 11 months after her bone marrow transplant. Lauren was angry and was scared for the challenge that lay ahead of her. The challenge was to search across the world for a bone marrow match, and they had to search high and low. Lauren's story is a remarkable one which really shows the power of the human spirit - and having a supportive network rallying behind you.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
A diagnosis and new-born baby
It was 2014, and Tom and his girlfriend had just discovered they were expecting their first child. Just weeks later, Tom found himself experiencing some concerning symptoms. After much investigation, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Tom's interview sheds light on what it was like to be diagnosed with a blood cancer as a young adult. He shares his experience of diagnosis, and autologous transplant, all while bringing a new baby into the world.
- Hodgkin lymphoma
Clinton and the power of the mind
Clinton Parmenter was living life in the fast lane — socialising with friends, spending time with his family and working hard in his job. He "barely ever came up for a breath of air". When one day, his life was turned on its head when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. In this interview, Clinton discusses his experience in choosing to go ahead with an allogeneic stem cell transplant. He also shares how he harnessed a positive mindset throughout his journey.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
Diagnosed at 29 years old
29-year-old Sophie Patnicroft-Gray had recently moved from the UK to Adelaide, where she was working and planning to travel, when a routine blood test showed that there was something "a bit off". Then, out of left-field, Sophie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Sophie shares the emotional struggles she faced as a young adult diagnosed with a blood cancer. Sophie also discusses her challenges with fatigue, and how she embraced exercise to improve her health and wellbeing.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
How Sandra kept her family together through childhood leukaemia
Mother and psychologist, Sandra Evans shares the story of when her eldest daughter, Tahlia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at age four. Sandra discusses how she and her husband, Randall, managed their broader family and finances. She recounts the time of diagnosis and treatment, and her experiences with doctors.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Christina’s journey as carer
In December 2015, Christina was living in Byron Bay and studying at medical school, when her boyfriend at the time, singer-songwriter Timothy James Bowen was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In this episode, Christina reflects on how her knowledge as a doctor influenced how she managed her role as a carer, and how her life was impacted by Timothy's diagnosis. She discusses how important family was during this time and how they all rallied together to help Timothy.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Coping through creativity: Timothy James Bowen’s story
You may have heard of Timothy James Bowen – in 2020, he was a contestant on Australia's TV show, The Voice. In this episode, we ask with the singer/songwriter to take us back to the time of his diagnosis; a time when Timothy was building his music career – writing and recording music and playing shows on tour. Timothy was tired and sore, but he put that down to his busy lifestyle, his poor posture, and spending hours in the recording studio. After an innocent sneeze caused him to fall over in pain, Timothy realised that something more serious could be going on. Eventually, on 17 December 2015, Timothy was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma.
How blood cancer helped Esther find her authentic self
In 2016, Esther Xu’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Up to that point, Esther had led quite a smooth, high-achieving life, ticking off most of her parents’ wish list. Esther was living in Australia, but is originally from Shanghai in China. Not only did Esther have to deal with the physical effects of a blood cancer diagnosis, she also had to deal with the emotional and cultural complexities.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
From wife to carer
When Roxanne's husband Brendan was diagnosed with, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), Roxanne had no idea that when she packed an overnight bag for Brendan that he would be in hospital for months having treatment. Our host, and one of the Leukaemia Foundation's Blood Cancer Support Coordinators Kate Arkadieff speaks with Roxanne about what it was like to live in regional Queensland and care for someone with a blood cancer, and how she supported her family through the journey and beyond.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Carers