Komal's story – Maggie's helped me to think positive each day

I first heard about Maggie’s from my oncologist while I was having treatment at The Christie. They told me that I could go to Maggie’s, and it is a good place to go and talk about how I am feeling.

When I went for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect, but I spoke to Angela, who was really nice.

I didn’t know what to say when I first walked in. Angela explained what Maggie’s does, about drop-ins and no need for appointments. 

She said I could come to Maggie’s for help and speak to the people there. They told me there was also a Maggie’s in Oldham which I now come to.

When I entered for the first time I was feeling really nervous. I didn’t know where to look. 

But as I looked around, everything was bright and yellow. I thought ‘oh it is quite happy’. 

There is a small library, it is cozy. Each room has a different personality. I thought ‘wow I can sit here and relax’.

Cancer diagnosis

Before I was diagnosed with cancer I was studying a Bachelor Honor degree in filmmaking, animation and motion graphics, and looking for work.

I was diagnosed with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia on 28 April 2021. That is specific because I’ll never forget this day. 

When I was told this, my family were sad, my mum was depressed. It was the second time I’ve ever seen my dad crying.

In May 2021 I began chemotherapy. My sister and my mum weren’t allowed inside the ward due to Covid restrictions at that time. 

At one point I wanted to give up, but my sister was like my backbone and helped me with counting down how many cycles I had left.

At the moment, I am living with cancer, and the side effects from treatment. I like being able to go to Maggie’s and speak about how I feel.

Support at Maggie’s

Following the diagnosis, I was crying every single day. 

Maggie’s was mentioned later on when I came to the Christie hospital. I realised I hadn’t processed things.

Maggie’s has helped me with thinking about doing what I can within my own ability. To not think too much, think about living in the moment and in the present.

Maggie’s is really great for people living with cancer, and for their families. I feel very calm when I come here as you are surrounded by nature. You don’t feel like your mind is racing. 

Did you know the yellow colours used here means happiness? And green colours in the centre make you feel closer to nature, and it takes your mind off things. 

Everyone here has been with me through thick and thin, whenever I was dealing with a lot of other things, even things outside the cancer situation that I was dealing with. 

They have been with me through it all – and after a visit you feel so much better.

Maggie's has helped me get back to my routine and help shape what I need to do next, my goals, and how to think positive each day. 

To take it one day at a time, to not pressure myself and to not be stressed.

Art classes

I’ve been to art classes on Thursdays. In those sessions, they allow me to calm my mind and put my thoughts into the painting or drawing. You learn new skills, and it distracts you from the cancer – even though Maggie’s is a ‘cancer centre’.

I’ve been learning weaving. Recently, I’ve been drawing, oil painting, watercolours. It calms you down, it makes you feel like you are in a new environment. 

You are with other people and it doesn’t matter what age they are, I meet people in their 20s to 70s, even people in their 80s and 90s. 

Most of the time, I just come to Maggie’s without a plan and meet with different people.

There is always something for everyone, and everyone is welcome. What I like about Maggie’s is that nobody will judge you here and you can express yourself – everyone is welcome.

Alongside the activities there are also events, and it’s really cool that you can come together and be with similar people and get to know everyone.

I went to a nutrition session recently. It helped me so much with what I need to eat, what I can eat and how to have a healthy diet. 

With my cancer, I need to have a healthy diet so I'm involving fruits, vegetables every single day, trying to eat a healthy diet. And then if I want dessert or a cake or anything, I will just have a little nibble.

Sharing my story

This is something I talk about online as well. I talk about my cancer journey on online platforms because I want to help other people by sharing my cancer journey and by telling my story – so other people may find it easier and feel less alone.

You don’t need to feel alone, there are people here at Maggie’s who you can connect with. 

I find it helpful speaking with new people, and I like making them feel easy and comfortable. I share my cancer journey with others in the centre, and by telling my story, I hope that the other person will then find it easier to talk.

I have my family, who are very supportive and check in on me every single day since I began chemotherapy. But it is helpful to speak to staff at Maggie's to learn more about cancer and how you are feeling. 

Your family can help you, but they are not medical professionals or doctors. 

To new people thinking about coming to Maggie’s – just see how you find it. If at first it feels like it is too overwhelming, then perhaps give it another chance. I did and came back again. 

You can make friends and feel like you are not alone. 

We’re here with you

Our cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisors are here for everyone with cancer, and all the people who love them. 

Come and see us at your nearest Maggie’s, call us on 0300 123 180 or email us at enquiries@maggies.org