Enjoy this fabulous conversation!
TW: We discuss cancer in particular Leukaemia – read the episode show notes for more.
A sobering question for you ahead of today’s episode…….what would you do if you only had 3 weeks to live? Despite opening with this question – this episode is UPLIFTING like you wouldn’t believe!
You will leave this conversation with a new lease of life, a newfound energy and a mantra to live by… “Don’t sweat the small stuff!”
Liz Stephenson, one of my incredible friends from high school has been a professional singer for over 25 years. Otherwise fit and healthy Liz began feeling a little ‘under the weather’ back in the early part of 2020. Symptoms included feeling fatigued, some hip pain and generally ‘not quite right’. After several attempts to understand what was happening, visits to the hospital, Liz pushed and pushed to be seen during a very difficult time (remember we were in 2020 Covid times). After finally being admitted to hospital and several bloods tests later, on July 27th, this day in 2020 at just 39 years old, Liz was given the devastating news that she had feared, a diagnosis of cancer - acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
What follows is Liz’s story of unbelievable resolve, strength and relentlessness. Liz’s positivity throughout has seen her through some of the darkest moments of her life.
After Stem Cell therapy and Car-T therapy, the latter of which is not readily available in the UK yet, however her consultant fought her case to have her included in the trials after realising that this was Liz’s last chance. Without Car- T therapy, Liz would have had around 3 weeks to live.
Liz shares her story, unedited from start to where we find ourselves at this present moment, exactly 3 years on from original diagnosis to today 27th July 2023, cancer free and in remission.
To say this lady is the most inspirational is an understatement. I have had the privilege of knowing her for over 30 years and honestly her radiance and light continues to beam through the retelling of this horrific time in her life.
She has now swapped the stage as a singer for an inspirational speaker, traveling around the UK sharing her story and awareness of the signs and symptoms of Leukaemia, but it doesn’t stop there, oh no!! Liz is going to be writing her story in a book and writing an information book to help those navigate their cancer journey with a greater sense of ease! I mean come on, talk about when life gives you lemons……what can this girl not do?!!!!
Thank you for your openness and generosity, we love you Liz.
If you would like to find out more or join the Stem Cell register, click the link here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/