A Plymstock mum who has published a book about her battle with cancer has been overwhelmed by the response from people who have read it.
Rachael Hallows, who is 42, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2017 and then underwent an intensive course of treatment, including chemotherapy until February the following year.
She started to write the book a few weeks after the treatment ended and after being turned down by a number of agents, she decided to self publish the book herself. “I didn’t have a goal in mind,” said Rachael, “but I had an overwhelming need to write about my experience.”
‘You’ve Got This’ was published in March and has proved an instant success. It has received dozens of five star reviews on Amazon – which has delighted Rachael.
“The feedback I have received has been totally amazing,” said Rachael, who is a single mum with two teenage boys. “I have had so many encouraging messages of support and thanks from people. I have also been contacted by people who are battling lymphoma themselves and saying how much the book has helped them.”
All proceeds from the sale of the book are going to Hugs From Henry, the Plymouth-based charity which was founded by Elsbeth Hallam after her son Henry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
Within a few weeks of the book being published well over 200 copies had been sold and the number is rising every day.
She has dedicated the book to her late uncle Colin Chase, who passed away from cancer in October last year at the age of 59. Rachael said: “He took every role in life seriously. He was everyone’s friend and lived life to the full. He never failed to smile – even in his final days.”
Rachael’s cancer story started in August 2017 when she discovered a lump in her neck. Blood tests came back clear and doctors were sure it was some sort of viral infection.
Rachael said: “I have always suffered from anxiety but I knew something wasn’t right. My gut instinct told me something was wrong.”
She had been diagnosed with lupus seven years before and was determined to get to the root of what was causing the lump to grow.
A family friend was a retired cardiologist and she asked him to check it out. “He said I needed to get a biopsy, so I went back to my GP the next day and she arranged for it to take place as quickly as possible.”
Her worst fears were confirmed when the biopsy revealed that she had Non-Hodkin’s Lymphoma. What followed was a roller coaster of emotions and fear. She had to break the news to her two sons and the rest of her family and friends. There was worst to come.
While undergoing the early rounds of chemotherapy, Rachael was told that a further biopsy of her bone marrow had revealed the presence of low-grade lymphoma – which is incurable.
Between 2018 and 2020 Rachael remained under the care and treatment of the Lymphoma team at Derriford Hospital as she continued to battle with her anxiety. She was given therapy and counselling to help with her issues.
As the pandemic struck in March 2020 Rachael was forced to shield for several months – but in the end decided she needed to try to get back to normality by going for daily walks.
She pays tribute in her book to all her family and friends who rallied round to help and support her during her battle.
“The love and support I got was amazing,” said Rachael. “There were so many gifts and little surprises for me and the boys. I have never known kindness like it.
“Through it all you have to keep faith and I do believe that good things happen to good people.
“My thanks go to so many people, especially my dear mum and brothers who I know were just as frightened as I was,” said Rachael.
She also lists her many friends who helped her during the darkest hours of treatment as well as the Plymouth Leander Swimming Club, who supported her two sons as they regularly competed for the club.
She also praised the NHS and the haematology team at Derriford, especially her consultant and nurse specialist. “In the nicest possible way I truly hope I never have to see them again!”
Finally her love and thanks went to her boys Ashton and Leighton encouraging them to never give in and never give up.
You’ve Got This is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback format.
