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  • Health & Medicine

Not actually a pain in the neck: how cancer took me from patient to psychiatrist

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by Cancer Research UK | Analysis

7 April 2017

8 comments 8 comments

Following treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma, Tom has retrained as a doctor.

Today is World Health Day, and this year the focus is depression. Here Tom Grew discusses the challenges he faced following successful treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma, and how his experience has motivated him to tackle depression both personally and professionally.

It was 09:45 on the 26th of February 2004. I was 18 years old. And I’d just been told that I had cancer.

I certainly hadn’t thought about cancer much when I was growing up. My only experience was that of my grandfather who died when I was 12. He had smoked all of his life and died of lung cancer. It was very upsetting, of course, but it sort of made sense.

I’d moved to Sheffield in 2003 to study History at university. It had all begun so well. I was making so many new friends and literally having the time of my life. And I thought that I was invincible.

This meant that despite having had a lump in my neck for about 18 months I kept putting off going to see my GP. I had no other symptoms and so was quite surprised when told that it was cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, on that Thursday back in 2004. My parents were very upset. That’s how I knew this was really serious.

When I got back that day I went on the Cancer Research UK website and looked up everything about the illness. It was clear for me right from the beginning that knowledge and understanding were the key to how I would deal with my illness.

This was particularly important once treatment had begun. Health professionals that I had never met before wanted to give me chemotherapy drugs that would make me sick, feel exhausted, and put me at risk of infection. I struggled to get my head round this – all those side-effects just to rid me of a painless swelling in my neck? It didn’t seem fair!

The only late effect that was mentioned to me at the time of diagnosis and treatment was that chemotherapy could affect my fertility. I’m glad this was mentioned as it meant that I could preserve samples of sperm.

But nobody mentioned the potential psychological challenges I might face.

‘I found life much more difficult after treatment’

6 sessions of chemotherapy followed my diagnosis, but luckily I managed to stay on at university, spending about a week at home after each treatment and then a week back in Sheffield.

After chemotherapy I had a CT scan and luckily it showed that there were no further signs of cancer.

However, I then went on to receive radiotherapy once a day for 4 weeks to maximise the chances of the cancer not recurring.

TomG_blog2

Tom’s return to university wasn’t easy.

So what next after radiotherapy?

Back to normality?

Back to having a good time?

It wasn’t as simple as that.

I was able to continue at university but I actually found life much more difficult after treatment. I can look back and see that I always had a pre-disposition to feeling anxious, and that my illness brought it out in me.

I became incredibly fearful of the cancer returning. I began to start checking my body for lumps, often multiple times throughout the day.

This reached a critical point about 18 months after treatment had finished. I started booking emergency appointments, I couldn’t sleep and generally just couldn’t function properly.

I went to see my GP who diagnosed me with depression and an anxiety disorder.

‘It was at this point I decided to make a change’

Following this diagnosis I began taking antidepressants, and had Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, which did help a great deal.

Although the cancer and my mental health problems are linked, for me dealing with the depression and anxiety was more difficult than coping with the effects of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy I received for cancer.

It was at this point I decided to make a change.

Both during and after treatment I had been particularly inspired by my doctors, and so by the end of my history degree I had already started thinking about the possibility of studying medicine.

After graduating in 2006, I successfully applied for a job in a hospital pharmacy as I wanted to get experience to see if medicine was really for me.

I made sure to get a job in the hospital where I had chemotherapy – a place that simply thinking about made me feel sick. I was determined to get over my fear, and not let the cancer continue to control me.

The pharmacy role really cemented my desire to study medicine and so I returned to Sheffield in 2008 to begin the course.

There is no doubt that if I had not had cancer I would not be where I am today.

‘The one person in the world who can empower me more than any other is me’

During medical school I went on to represent young people with cancer, on a local, national and international basis. I began to meet other people who’d had cancer at a young age. For many years I thought I was the only young person in the world with cancer.

TomG_blog3

Dr Tom Grew

Now 13 years after diagnosis I’m pleased to say there has been no evidence of relapse. But one of the most difficult aspects to deal with has been the discovery of the potential long term implications of the therapy that I received.

Recently I have been found to have low levels of testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy has given my energy levels and mood a much needed boost.

As for the future, one area of my survivorship that still needs to be resolved is my fertility.

I’m pleased to say that I finished medical school in 2014, and I’m now working as a core psychiatry trainee in Sheffield, inspired by my own mental health issues after cancer.

Helped by the encouragement of those who treated me, the most valuable realisation I had was when I discovered that the one person in the world who can empower me more than any other is me.

The impact of cancer on my mental health was huge. I cannot underestimate the importance of recognising the link that can exist between the two.

My experience has taught me that I am not going to be here forever. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to forget about cancer.

I have accepted that it happened, realised that it will always be a massive part of my life, and then started to make the most of all of the opportunities that it can bring.

Tom

  • If you or someone close to you have been affected by cancer and you’ve got questions, call our nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 or contact them via this online form

    Comments

  • Elaine Chapman
    6 May 2017

    What an inspirational story – thank you so much for sharing it. I have not had cancer but have suffered from anxiety and depression so can understand your fears about relapse and how they could take over your life. Well done for taking control and making something positive out of your experience.

  • Tracey
    5 May 2017

    Hi Tom, Thanks for sharing your story, it helps to know there are other people feeling the same. I too had Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2004, I was older and had two kids already. My life was turned upside down and my family battled through together, it didn’t just affect me but my young daughters too. Every ache and pain for the last 13 years has led to the question Is it back? Is this it? and there’s no rational way to stop that. You go through the medical stuff with help and understanding and eventually, if you’re lucky, you come out the other side but it all dwindles, the understanding and the reassurance fizzles out and then you’re left with the not knowing if it’s coming back and guilt for not being more grateful to be alive. I was lucky to have my life and I have added to it with more children which I didn’t think was possible so my life is a celebration now but I still have whisperings and feel torn, from reading many blogs and posts I now believe this is normal. Thanks again for your story, I wish you well in your career, good luck.

  • Jasmine
    4 May 2017

    Thank you for sharing your story Tom, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in very similar circumstances. For the five year follow up I was plagued with anxiety around my symptoms and cancer returning. Slowly these fears have subsided but I too worry now that I will be unable to have children as preserving my fertility was not an option at the time (am female). Life is a journey though and it is nice to hear from others that have been in the same position. The effects of cancer often focus on the physical rather than mental effects. Your story is an inspiration.

  • MaryAnn Hardy, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
    8 April 2017

    I’ve finished treatment for Stage 2b endometrioid cancer. I should be OK from here on out, after hysterectomy and 5 weeks of radiation. I’ve accepted that the low-level anxiety is what I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. But I’m now 70, and I can see the end of my life. That just happens when you reach a certain age. What troubles me most of all is recovering from the treatments, the exhaustion and weakness and WASTING what years I have left on earth….feeling this way. It’s the only thing that angers me. Frightens me. But I want to say to you, Dr. Grew: “BRAVO!” for your accomplishments and THANK YOU for sharing your story with us. It’s a wonderful story and gives my spirits a big lift. It’s especially heartening that such a young person as yourself has survived and found his gift. You’ll be sharing that gift for a lifetime and many, many people will be the better for it. Thank you for that, too.

  • Ashley
    8 April 2017

    Thanks for sharing this Tom. I am a testicular cancer survivor and after surgery and chemotherapy have been clear now for over fifteen years. I have a son and daughter and have never felt healthier or more alive. Thanks to the fabulous work of charities and researchers at places like CR UK treatments are getting better and prognoses improving however mental health still remains an area that needs a lot more attention. All the very best for your future and stay positive. It doesn’t always end badly!

  • Joanne casling
    7 April 2017

    Im exactly the same…had breast lump removed and2nd chemo on wed followed by4more then radiotherapy..my anxiety is dreadful,ive got twinges and aches and pains everywhere and my fear is its spreading…hoping 2get some reassurance on wed but im driving myself mad with worry.its good2read im not the only one,i have a dreadful fear of death and suffer panic attacks at night due2it.ive had counciling and cbt in past and this did help at the time..thanks4your story and all the best😊

  • Carrie
    7 April 2017

    Totally agree it’s only once treatment finishes the cancer recovery commences and the impact hits home. Worries and fears seem to occupy my mind, I have to remind myself that’s these are only thoughts and not reality. Thank you Tom for letting people know about the how you really feel after treatment.

  • Maggie
    7 April 2017

    Diagnosed bowel cancer Oct 2015. May 2016 got the all clear. Thought I would be jumping from the roof tops but totally opposite. Like Tom I worry about recurrence and have felt very down. I don’t think you ever get over cancer once diagnosed you live with it forever.

    Comments

  • Elaine Chapman
    6 May 2017

    What an inspirational story – thank you so much for sharing it. I have not had cancer but have suffered from anxiety and depression so can understand your fears about relapse and how they could take over your life. Well done for taking control and making something positive out of your experience.

  • Tracey
    5 May 2017

    Hi Tom, Thanks for sharing your story, it helps to know there are other people feeling the same. I too had Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2004, I was older and had two kids already. My life was turned upside down and my family battled through together, it didn’t just affect me but my young daughters too. Every ache and pain for the last 13 years has led to the question Is it back? Is this it? and there’s no rational way to stop that. You go through the medical stuff with help and understanding and eventually, if you’re lucky, you come out the other side but it all dwindles, the understanding and the reassurance fizzles out and then you’re left with the not knowing if it’s coming back and guilt for not being more grateful to be alive. I was lucky to have my life and I have added to it with more children which I didn’t think was possible so my life is a celebration now but I still have whisperings and feel torn, from reading many blogs and posts I now believe this is normal. Thanks again for your story, I wish you well in your career, good luck.

  • Jasmine
    4 May 2017

    Thank you for sharing your story Tom, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in very similar circumstances. For the five year follow up I was plagued with anxiety around my symptoms and cancer returning. Slowly these fears have subsided but I too worry now that I will be unable to have children as preserving my fertility was not an option at the time (am female). Life is a journey though and it is nice to hear from others that have been in the same position. The effects of cancer often focus on the physical rather than mental effects. Your story is an inspiration.

  • MaryAnn Hardy, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
    8 April 2017

    I’ve finished treatment for Stage 2b endometrioid cancer. I should be OK from here on out, after hysterectomy and 5 weeks of radiation. I’ve accepted that the low-level anxiety is what I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. But I’m now 70, and I can see the end of my life. That just happens when you reach a certain age. What troubles me most of all is recovering from the treatments, the exhaustion and weakness and WASTING what years I have left on earth….feeling this way. It’s the only thing that angers me. Frightens me. But I want to say to you, Dr. Grew: “BRAVO!” for your accomplishments and THANK YOU for sharing your story with us. It’s a wonderful story and gives my spirits a big lift. It’s especially heartening that such a young person as yourself has survived and found his gift. You’ll be sharing that gift for a lifetime and many, many people will be the better for it. Thank you for that, too.

  • Ashley
    8 April 2017

    Thanks for sharing this Tom. I am a testicular cancer survivor and after surgery and chemotherapy have been clear now for over fifteen years. I have a son and daughter and have never felt healthier or more alive. Thanks to the fabulous work of charities and researchers at places like CR UK treatments are getting better and prognoses improving however mental health still remains an area that needs a lot more attention. All the very best for your future and stay positive. It doesn’t always end badly!

  • Joanne casling
    7 April 2017

    Im exactly the same…had breast lump removed and2nd chemo on wed followed by4more then radiotherapy..my anxiety is dreadful,ive got twinges and aches and pains everywhere and my fear is its spreading…hoping 2get some reassurance on wed but im driving myself mad with worry.its good2read im not the only one,i have a dreadful fear of death and suffer panic attacks at night due2it.ive had counciling and cbt in past and this did help at the time..thanks4your story and all the best😊

  • Carrie
    7 April 2017

    Totally agree it’s only once treatment finishes the cancer recovery commences and the impact hits home. Worries and fears seem to occupy my mind, I have to remind myself that’s these are only thoughts and not reality. Thank you Tom for letting people know about the how you really feel after treatment.

  • Maggie
    7 April 2017

    Diagnosed bowel cancer Oct 2015. May 2016 got the all clear. Thought I would be jumping from the roof tops but totally opposite. Like Tom I worry about recurrence and have felt very down. I don’t think you ever get over cancer once diagnosed you live with it forever.