“A cancer diagnosis at the age of 16 is a lot to process” – Roslyn’s story

Roslyn was 16 when she was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Now 27, and following successful treatment, she is running this year’s London Marathon to mark 10 years being cancer-free and to raise funds for our vital research.

It all started with a lump on my left wrist. But it was several years before I was correctly diagnosed with synovial sarcoma. At first, my symptoms were misdiagnosed as tendonitis. Then doctors thought I had a ganglion. One even stuck a needle into it, hoping to drain away the fluid. But the lump did not go away, instead it grew bigger.

Even the slightest nudge on my wrist would leave me crying in agony. The pain was too much to bear. It was decided that I should have surgery to remove the lump. But when the surgeons opened my hand, they realised there was something wrong. They did not know exactly what it was, so a biopsy was taken and I was referred for further tests, including an MRI scan.

Soon afterwards, I remember travelling with my parents from my home in Inverness to see the specialist consultant in Aberdeen. It was then I was told I had cancer. I felt utter shock. It was a lot to process at that age and I’m not sure I really understood what was being said. I don’t think death ever crossed my mind, but I was worried about how this diagnosis was going to affect my life. I was at that age when life was all about going to parties and hanging out with friends. Then suddenly this bombshell was dropped. I remember calling my friends to tell them and they burst into tears. I was crying too.

I wanted to know what would be done to tackle it, but I was concerned about what any treatment would involve and how it would affect my life. I was devastated at the thought that I would lose my hair at such a young age. And I dreaded the fact that everything I had been excited about, such as starting driving lessons, would be put on hold. It was a very traumatic time and everything seemed to happen so fast. One moment I was having an MRI, the next I had a cancer diagnosis.

I had a five-hour operation to remove the tumour and was in hospital in Aberdeen for a week. My mum had to travel from Inverness every day after work to see me. I was left with a large scar and a metal pin inside my hand, but the surgery was successful and the function in my hand afterwards was pretty good thanks to the amazing surgeons.

Following this, I was told I would need chemotherapy and radiotherapy. My parents packed a bag for me and we set off for the hospital in Inverness. But in a strange turn of events, when I arrived I was told I would not be having chemo after all as it was decided last minute by the doctors it would not be necessary for my treatment. I was delighted of course as I had been dreading it, but despite my happiness, I could sense my parents were still worried.

The plan was to have 36 days of intensive radiotherapy instead. This left me feeling exhausted and weak. It has left me with strong red pigmentation on my left arm, which is permanent. Over the years, I have got better about having my scars on show as they are not something I should be ashamed about. However, I do still find myself subconsciously hiding them even after all this time. After the treatment finished, I had to have regular check-ups, twice a year for the first five years, and then annually after that. I had my last one a few months ago.

‘I feel positive about the future’

I have now been cancer-free for 10 years. Most of the time, I feel as if it is all behind me, but I do get nervous for any check-ups which I think is a common feeling shared amongst other cancer survivors. Last year, I had a scare when I strained my wrist in the spot I had previously been treated for cancer, and it swelled up to the point I could not move it. I had to have all sorts of tests, but it turned out to be nothing to worry about thankfully. However, I do still worry about the cancer coming back when I am older – that would be devastating – but it does not cross my mind every day. For the most part, I feel optimistic about the future. I concentrate on looking forward, channelling positivity, looking after myself and keeping in good health.

I started taking running seriously just over a year ago. I had always enjoyed running as a means of keeping fit and started to challenge myself with longer distances. After succeeding at running over 10km a few times, I decided to see if I could run a half-marathon distance – and really loved it.

I’ve never run a marathon before, but I am both excited and nervous about the challenge ahead. My goal is to raise more than £2000 for the Institute of Cancer Research. I can’t wait to run alongside lots of other inspiring individuals and help support those affected by cancer.

There is no doubt that cancer research has had a big impact on me personally. But we need constant well-funded research to be able to treat cancer patients in the least harmful ways possible. I was treated by a brilliant team of people, but more research is needed to help make the lives of people with cancer better. We need new ways to diagnose the disease, new drugs and new treatments so that in the future, people facing a cancer diagnosis will receive less bad news and more happy news.

To support Roslyn and raise funds for our vital research, visit: Roslyn's fundraising page