On this episode of Let’s Talk Blood Cancer, we are joined by Dr. Tom Hunt, a junior doctor whose life changed forever when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at just 18 years old. Tom shares his journey from recognising the first warning signs, through diagnosis and intensive treatment, to remission, becoming a doctor himself, and how his experience has shaped both his career and outlook on life.What’s in this episode:- Tom’s first symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, extreme fatigue, and the warning signs he initially dismissed while preparing for university and travelling across Europe- The moment blood tests revealed he had no blood counts, hearing the word leukaemia for the first time, and how his diagnosis unfolded- Tom’s determination to begin treatment immediately and the positive mindset that helped him face chemotherapy- The physical and emotional challenges of treatment, including his toughest moments, a seizure during chemotherapy, and the unwavering support of his mum, family, and friends- Reaching remission after seven months of intensive treatment, continuing maintenance therapy for two years, and learning to live with the uncertainty that follows cancer- Returning to medical school, qualifying as a junior doctor, and how living through blood cancer has influenced the way he cares for patients- The lasting psychological impact of cancer, including health anxiety, panic attacks, and how therapy helped him move forwardFind out more about Cure Leukaemia and how you can get involved and support blood cancer patients across the globe: https://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/

On this episode of Let’s Talk Blood Cancer: The Patients' Podcast, childhood leukaemia survivors Hughie Higginson and Jude Hawkridge share their experiences of being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), the challenges of treatment, and how they’ve rebuilt their lives after cancer. They also reflect on the hope the ATICUS Network brings for future generations of children with blood cancer.What’s in this episode:- Hughie and Jude’s experiences of being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), including the symptoms they experienced and how long it took to receive a diagnosis- The emotional impact of hearing the word "cancer" as a child and navigating treatment at a young age- Jude’s treatment journey, from chemotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy to receiving a stem cell transplant- The realities of spending long periods in hospital, coping with isolation, missing family and friends, and finding comfort in the small things during treatment- How treatment affected everyday life, including changes in appetite, missing school and football, and the importance of being treated like any other child- The lasting impact Professor Rob Wynn had on both Hughie and Jude’s treatment journeys- Why the ATICUS Network is so important in developing less toxic treatments, expanding access to innovative clinical trials, and improving outcomes for children undergoing stem cell transplantsFind out more about Cure Leukaemia and how you can get involved and support blood cancer patients across the globe: https://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/

On this episode of Let’s Talk Blood Cancer, we are joined by Dr. Katharine Patrick, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, to explore the realities of treating children with blood cancer, supporting families through diagnosis, and the exciting advances shaping the future of paediatric care and research.What’s in this episode:- Dr. Patrick’s journey into medicine and how a six-month placement inspired her to specialise in paediatric haematology- The emotional challenges and rewards of caring for children with blood cancer, and the importance of the multidisciplinary team supporting patients and families- How childhood leukaemia is diagnosed and common symptoms- The conversations doctors have with families following a diagnosis, including providing reassurance, hope, and tailored support throughout treatment- Why exercise is becoming an increasingly important part of childhood cancer care, helping children recover more quickly and maintain their long-term health- Katharine's fundraising challenge, cycling The Route (all stages of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift) and why funding research is essential- The importance of the ATICUS Network in expanding access to clinical trials, accelerating new treatments for children undergoing stem cell transplants, and improving supportive careFind out more about Cure Leukaemia and how you can get involved and support blood cancer patients across the globe: https://www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/