Cancer Treatment Left Me Wheelchair-Bound & Forgetting My Dad

At 22 years old, Abbie Smith, a master's student, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (ALL). Despite being told it was a "very treatable and curable cancer," her treatment journey was arduous.

Initially experiencing symptoms like back pain and a rash, Abbie's condition escalated to a collapsed lung. Her intensive treatment, spanning over two years, included IV chemotherapy, spinal injections, and oral chemotherapy. This regimen led to significant side effects, including kidney issues that required intensive care and temporary memory loss, during which she could not recognize her own father.

Furthermore, Abbie suffered from drop foot, a condition caused by nerve damage, which necessitated her use of a wheelchair for 18 months. She also experienced a large blood clot on her lung, a diagnosis delivered immediately after receiving news of her remission.

Now 25 and having completed maintenance treatment in September 2025, Abbie has returned to her studies and adapted sports activities. She is actively involved with the Teenage Cancer Trust's Cancer Conversations campaign, advocating for improved communication practices between healthcare professionals and young cancer patients.