Ciara McDonald who has been told she is in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma
AFTER being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in February Lisnaskea teenager Ciara McDonald has made a remarkable recovery and is now in remission.
On February 10 Ciara’s young life changed forever when she was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare form of cancer originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes.
The then Mount Lourdes student was forced to leave school, quit her part-time and decamp for Belfast to start treatment.
She has since underwent 12 gruelling bouts of chemotherapy and on September 30 was told the good news her cancer is in remission.
The 18-year-old will now undergo 15 sessions of radiotherapy over a three-week period as a precaution.
Speaking to the Herald yesterday a delighted Ciara told of her happiness at getting her life back.
“It was such a mixture of emotion, I had all my family around me and we were just so happy to hear that word remission. It was the goal we were striving for this whole time and I just feel like a complete weight off my shoulders and I can start getting myself back to normal.”
Ciara described the past eight months as a “rollercoaster of emotions”, but stated how she was indebted to the support of her family, boyfriend Niall and her friends, who were there when she needed them most.
“I’d be lost without them. My whole family and my boyfriend have been there at every appointment, every scan, they have came with me up to Belfast, have held my hand and have made wee plans with me in case we got bad news.”
She continued: “My friends were always remembering every date of every scan and would have a wee message prepared to send me through, they were so good.
“It’s amazing how much the community pulls together to help you, I was so humbled by anyone who sent me a message, sent me a card or even went to Lourdes and prayed for me. That means so much to me and I really think it has helped get me through it.
“I just feel lucky to have so many amazing people around me.”
Having beaten cancer Ciara has a renewed appreciation for life and hopes in the future to travel the world.
“Travelling is definitely on top of my list. I want to see a bit of the world and just experience different countries. I really haven’t thought much about university, I’m just enjoying life at the moment and being happy.
“It gives you a renewed appreciation for life, you just look at things a different way. I’m happiest on a Saturday night when I sit around with my whole family watching X Factor or something. I really appreciate those moments when before I don’t think I would have noticed as much.”
The inspirational teenager had one final message for those dealing with the condition.
“My advice would just be at the start take your own time to process things. I know a lot of people will be making sure you’re in a positive mindset, which is essential, but you really need to take your time to process what is going on. As soon as you accept the situation you can move on and battle through.”
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