Kelsey Oke - Things that have worked for me

My name is Kelsey, I was diagnosed with Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I was 18, almost a year ago. I was diagnosed after experiencing severe rib and back pain for several months. I underwent an emergency laminectomy after finding a tumour compressing my spinal cord.

I had to relearn how to walk and regain my balance.

I underwent 12 rounds of chemo or 6 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy. I found out I was in remission after 2 cycles and completed 4 more cycles.

I was enrolled for university so I reduced my courses to 2 online courses and my professors were really great and accommodating. I did AYA support group once a week and it was really great to talk to people my age and to learn about their coping strategies and their experiences.

I would like to share with you, things that have worked for me.

One thing that helped me through chemo was wearing different hats that people knit me.

Some items I found really helpful when going through chemo were: Fuzzy socks, mints, crackers, plain meals such as mashed potatoes, tums, lotion and heating pads.