Eventually, I noticed that Mission Remission hosted online Recovery Cafés. One day, I took a deep breath and joined. And honestly, it was like therapy times a hundred. Just listening to others share their experiences – people younger than me, older than me, all with very different stories – was deeply healing. We all had one big thing in common: we were still trying to find our way forward. The treatment might have ended, but the experience was far from over. In some ways, I now realise, it never really ends.

My own cancer has since returned in my lymph nodes, and more recently there’s been a concern about a lesion on my spine. It took me a long time to fully accept what that meant that I’m not technically in remission. But even that word -remission – feels far more layered than simply meaning “it’s over.” For many of us, remission is an ongoing state of being. It’s something we live with.

I don’t say any of this to put people off, quite the opposite. I want people to know that if you’re feeling confused, unsure, unsettled—you’re not the only one. You’re not alone. That feeling of being surrounded by people, but still lonely? I’ve been there. And Mission Remission has been a lifeline. It’s helped me find connection, understanding, and, importantly, the strength to keep going in this new normal.

My background is in bereavement counselling, so I’ve always believed in the power of talking things through. And while I’ve leaned on the tools I’ve learned professionally, I’ve still often felt unsure. Even with all the “right” skills, I’ve still muddled through at times. And that’s okay. Sometimes muddling through is more than enough.

I’m so proud to be a part of Mission Remission. I want more people to know it exists, because it can make a real difference—not just for the person who’s had cancer, but for their whole circle: their children, partners, parents, friends. Everyone comes along for the ride in one way or another.

It meant a lot to hear the Princess of Wales recently share that even after being told she’s in remission, things still don’t feel “over.” That honesty matters. It helps others understand this isn’t as cut and dry as it may seem from the outside.

Cancer has touched my life before—my mother had secondary cancer that went undiagnosed for some time, and I’d already spent hours on helplines, trying to find answers. I thought I knew what cancer was like. But nothing can fully prepare you for your own experience. And that’s why places like Mission Remission are so important. They remind us that while no two experiences are the same, we can walk this road together.

We may have changed—and things may never go back to how they were—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s strength in facing forward. And there’s incredible comfort in knowing we don’t have to face it alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.”