Finishing Treatment - The Princess of Wales

This week Catherine, Princess of Wales, issued a statement saying she has completed her chemotherapy.

A highly professional film of Catherine and her husband and children was published – you can see that here.

Catherine told others with the disease: 'To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. 

'Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.' 

Whatever your thoughts on the Royal Family, my heart goes out to her, as her illness and recovery is played out in the public eye.

Whilst I wish her well, I am conscious that this glowing, smiling woman does not represent most of the cancer survivors that I know.  She looks beautiful, playing in a field as a butterfly danced across  her hand.

I am not critical of her at all, she is in a very difficult position of being obligated to her role as a member of the royal family to give updates on her health to anyone who is curious about this.

Anyone who has been through cancer knows how tough the treatment is. Maybe the reality of the brutality of chemotherapy would not make a very pleasant film?

She has a highly privileged position, for her there are no financial worries, struggles to get a doctor’s appointment, fear of losing her job, problems with childcare and having access to healthy food. Many of the issues that face many people with cancer are not a problem for her.

But that is not her fault. She has her own challenges I am sure.

Catherine has been called inspirational for her comments on her cancer journey. Many people have commended her for her bravery for making this film. I am not going to disagree with that.

But for me I see bravery every day in the eyes of cancer survivors who are trying to navigate survivorship without any support, with the many challenges that a cancer diagnosis and treatment brings.

This photo is me after chemotherapy, and a month after my mastectomy.

No beautiful film of me, just a woman desperate to survive.

And if you are looking at Catherine and wondering why she looks so effortlessly beautiful and healthy, and you don’t feel that way -  I would remind you that comparison is the thief of joy. This is not real life for anyone.

The Royal Family may have huge wealth and privilege, but that has not made them immune to the horrors of a cancer journey.

I wish Catherine and anyone ending their cancer journey a happy and healthy future.

Thank you for reading

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