Anjali was trying to come to terms with her breast cancer diagnosis when she first called our Someone Like Me service. She tells us about how the conversation that followed helped her to feel listened to and less alone.
Can you tell us about your breast cancer journey?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 – the same week my mum got diagnosed with leukaemia. She passed away while I began my own fight against breast cancer. It was the toughest journey imaginable.
Despite facing many side effects, I am determined to raise awareness, especially in the Asian community where this subject can be taboo. I also want to support others just as I was supported by Someone Like Me.
In addition to my volunteering, I have raised funds, organised and spoken at events and been interviewed for my local paper and hospital.
What was it like calling Someone Like Me?
When I first called, I was wondering who I’d be speaking to. This person wouldn’t know me. I was quite nervous.
I was matched so well with my volunteer, though. She was around my age, had a similar type of cancer and had 2 boys like me.
I was so relieved to just be free and chat away about not only cancer-related things, but also about children or the weather - whatever it is that I wanted to ask or chat about.
We had a good old laugh about brain fog, and the volunteer told me that she had experienced it too. She gave me useful tips which was really nice too. I felt so reassured to know that it was a real thing and something I could talk about with somebody that understood me. By the end of the call, I was just feeling so much better.
That was the magic of it really: it was somebody who was just like me yet someone I didn’t know. I could speak about anything I wanted to. They weren’t judging me – they didn’t even know what I looked like. They weren’t trying to advise me. They were just there.
What would you say to someone going through something similar to you?
When you’re first diagnosed, you might not want to talk to anyone. But when you’re ready, sharing what you’re going through can really ease that burden.
Initially, I was so wound up with my own feelings of pain and discomfort and anxiety. But after my call, I took a deep breath and thought ‘hey, you’re not alone’.
You don’t have to be isolated. Reach out.
Want to talk to Someone Like You?
You never have to face breast cancer alone. With Someone Like Me, we match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They'll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen.