Caitlin had just finished high school in Edmonton and was looking forward to starting the next phase of her life. She was working parttime as a model and planning to study computer science. Life felt full of possibilities, and she was excited for her future.
But in September 2021, Caitlin began having trouble breathing and felt like she was suffocating whenever she lay down. At first, her doctors thought she might have COVID-19, but a scan later revealed a mass on her chest. Cailtin was diagnosed with an aggressive type of blood cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma.
Her doctors told her that if she had waited one more night at home, she might not have survived.
When I first learned of my diagnosis, I was in shock to the point that I felt that I didn’t care. In the moment, it didn’t feel real to me.
“After I got to process it, I began to think how unfair it was, and I was so sad that I was diagnosed. Now when I talk about it, I still feel like crying.”
.jpg?h=616&iar=0&mw=543&w=543&rev=ce5b50fb9a954dbe9efd506e04c23e10&hash=74FB28AB2F9C4BAB39A6DDA984177A2D)
Starting treatment and dealing with side effects
After her diagnosis, Caitlin started chemotherapy and stayed in the hospital for 2 months. As a social person she found it hard to cope with the isolation and the physical side effects really affected her confidence.
“When I got cancer, it felt like the end of the world, especially after going through chemotherapy, losing my hair and having my whole body change.”
Caitlin had bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps, felt constant nausea and suffered hair loss and intense physical pain. Steroid medication also caused bloating which changed how she looked.
“I remember looking in the mirror and not recognizing myself, and I know how painful that is – especially for young people. It can make you feel like you’ve lost more than just your health; it can feel like you’ve lost your identity.”
The side effects from Caitlin’s treatment plan weakened her body and led to other health issues. She developed acute pancreatitis and a condition called osteonecrosis in both hips. Because of this, Caitlin lost her ability to walk and needed hip-replacement surgery.
Within a year, Caitlin’s life looked completely different. She couldn’t go outside, meet her friends or live normally.
What cancer took from me was more than physical – it stole time, safety, identity and for a while, my voice.
She spent her 21st birthday in a hospital bed and missed many other family celebrations, like her siblings’ birthdays, her brother’s high school graduation and a close friend’s wedding.
Through it all, her family and close friends were her biggest support. Her mother and boyfriend became her anchors, making sure she felt loved even on the hardest days. For Caitlin, this was crucial in her recovery.
Finding compassion and support
With so much new information and physical changes, Caitlin began doing her own research to help her better understand her diagnosis. More importantly for Caitlin, she wanted guidance and reassurance.
“During treatment, I spent time reading survivor stories on the Canadian Cancer Society website, just hoping that one day I’d be one of them. The cancer.ca site helped me feel a little less alone.”
Caitlin found a community of survivors that helped her feel less isolated and eased her worries.
“It was really important to me to find someone that went through the same experience as I did and that they survived. I just needed someone to give me some hope.”
When she had pancreatitis, Caitlin was told she might need a bone marrow transplant. At the time, she was scared and wanted more details about her treatment. She called the Cancer Information Helpline and got the answers she needed as well as emotional support.
“Calling the helpline supported me emotionally and mentally because I felt I was talking to someone who understood and really listened to me. It was nice having someone to talk to. I felt seen.”
Life after treatment
Today, Caitlin is in remission and working on getting stronger. She is still unable to spend time outside or go to work but she is slowly getting back to her regular routine. She is writing a memoir and preparing to pursue her dream of competing in Miss Universe Canada 2028. Caitlin hopes to share her experience with other young adult survivors who feel overlooked or forgotten.
“I want my story to prove that life after cancer can still be bold, creative and full of purpose. I want to be the person that I needed and give someone else hope and show that there is hope.”
.jpg?h=554&iar=0&mw=543&w=543&rev=0941eafcb2b54034905b259ddc7f07aa&hash=249E096EF4647BF9EFFB48CA3BFC3365)
Get support today
A cancer diagnosis can bring confusion, uncertainty and an urgent need for answers. For many, it’s an overwhelming experience — and finding reliable, trustworthy information can bring peace of mind and help people cope with a cancer diagnosis.
Our Cancer Information Helpline is a national, toll-free service that helps people find the reliable cancer resources they need, delivered with care and understanding. The Canadian Cancer Society is the leading source of trusted cancer information and support, and in 2024 our helpline supported more than 25,900 people.
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Make sure you and your loved ones have the answers and support you need by calling our Cancer Information Helpline today.