So this post is going to be a bit different. Whilst I have some exciting news about the future of Learn Happy London, I also have some other news that I need to share. You may have noticed that I have not been very active on social media and my website for the past year, and there is very good reason for that. My life was turned upside down back in July 2022.
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought it was time I shared my story. So yes, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer over a year ago. The shock of my life! Honestly, I never thought in a million years it would happen to me, no-one ever thinks it could ever happen to them, but unfortunately it can happen to anyone of us. It took a while to process everything. I cut myself off from the world. I needed time. I had a multitude of tests and biopsies. Being poked, squashed and prodded was not fun! Learn Happy London, unfortunately, had to take a backseat. I just couldn’t think straight, I couldn’t plan anything and I couldn’t think beyond the next day or at most the next week.
I had a 15 hour breast reconstruction surgery which took about 6-8 weeks to recover from. I then had 6 months of Chemo, and OMG! was I petrified! With my family, in particular my mum by my side I got through it. Yes, I did lose my hair, which was really hard. Hair is a huge part of our identity. I never thought I would ever see myself bald – it wasn’t pretty! I went with it and wore beanies and different hats for a few months. I never got a wig, or did the eye brow micro blading thing, that is just not me! I was incredibly lucky that I didn’t suffer any nausea or felt sick, just extreme exhaustion, a little temperature at times, achy and other minor side effects. Two months after finishing chemo I had radiotherapy. They say this is the easiest part but, it’s not. It is different to chemo. It is just as exhausting and if you are claustrophobic and hate scans and big hospital machines, as I do, it is just horrible but I got through it! What a year! One I would rather forget but I can’t. Cancer stays with you and whilst I don’t want to live in fear of recurrence, my health is paramount, keeping up with hospital checks, eating healthy and taking supplements. I was incredibly lucky and had the best possible care.
I am back now, raring to go! As mentioned earlier, I have some exciting news about Learn Happy London. Whist I haven’t really been able to work, I have given things a lot of thought about where I want to take Learn Happy London. Whilst I enjoy tutoring and supporting families with their children’s education, child mental health and wellbeing is very much on the rise which is very sad. Despite having a degree in Psychology and using my own experience and knowledge to support children with anxiety and other school related issues, I have always felt I just wasn’t doing enough. I have therefore taken the decision to train as a child counsellor / psychotherapist at The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) which I am really excited about. I am only a few weeks in but I am really looking forward to sharing my training with you and eventually implementing what I am learning when supporting children and their families. I will, once qualified, provide a counselling service as part of Learn Happy London.
One last thing in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to all women, and indeed men, out there, please please check yourselves. Catching Breast Cancer early is the key.
I look forward to working with you and your children. I am more than happy to answer any questions regarding my personal journey with Breast Cancer you may have or any of our Learn Happy London Services.
You can find more information about Private Tutoring and Learn Happy London on the website, along with reviews. https://learnhappylondon.co.uk
We are also on Instagram https://www.
You can also join our Facebook group Let’s Talk Education to get support, advice and more.
Please call on 07540893384 to discuss your requirements. Alternatively you can email us.