In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff sits down with Ash Bell, who shares her journey with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the age of 11 and the challenges she faced throughout her treatment and recovery.

Ash recounts her active lifestyle before her diagnosis and the symptoms that led to her eventual hospitalisation, including severe back pain caused by crushed vertebrae. She discusses the difficulty of navigating treatment as a young person, including the loss of normalcy and the emotional impact of overhearing her cancer diagnosis instead of being directly informed.

They touched on the transition from illness to survivorship and the struggle to reintegrate a “normal” life while dealing with the lasting effects of treatment, both physically and emotionally. Ash also shares how her journey led her to a career in social work, focusing on providing support for people with blood cancer and advocating for mental health care during and after treatment.

Ash highlights the importance of acknowledging and working through the emotional and psychological impact of cancer, emphasising the need for nurturing one's mental wellbeing, alongside physical health. Her story illustrates resilience and the ongoing process of healing, providing valuable insights for both patients and caregivers.

For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation visit: https://www.leukaemia.org.au

The Talking Blood Cancer Podcast is brought to you by the Leukaemia Foundation and is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network