Pharmacist Chris Salmen, located at the Royal Marsden Hospital, talks about his own experience with cancer and how this led him to become particularly interested in the drugs that were used to treat him. Starting with chemotherapy, Chris uses visual examples to represent the processes taking place when the drugs are at work, looking at the science behind it and how ultimately, this leads to the destruction of dangerous cells.

The inspirational and courageous Nicole Dryburgh shares her incredible story, starting when she was first diagnosed at age 11 with a peripheral nerve sheath tumour, a rare type of cancer. After a series of devastating relapses over the years, Nicole has been left deaf in one ear, profoundly deaf in the other and unable to see. However, this has not stopped her from achieving incredible things. Talking about the release of her book, “The Way I See It”, Nicole explains how she hopes it can help people going through a similar situation to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what the circumstance.

A talk explaining a new idea in mobile phone technology for patients experiencing side effects from treatment, with information on how it works and the system in place. Patients can receive information about their specific symptoms from a qualified source so they can feel reassured and able to talk about their problems more freely. A former patient, Lucia gives her emotional and detailed account of her experience with the effects of chemotherapy.

In the second of Nick’s films, we hear how, despite having his life turned upside down by treatment, he has tried to keep things as normal as possible, even managing a pint after his first chemo session! Soon realising a lifestyle change was needed however, Nick talks about how, as a nineteen year old, he got used to dealing with the side effects of treatment such as hair loss and a drastic change in appearance. During treatment, Nick explains how he grew to appreciate the good things in life and tried as much as possible to make good use of the days he felt better, in his words to “recharge the batteries”. Mentally, Nick describes how hard the battle with his emotions was and how it has made him a great deal stronger now he has experienced having cancer, offering some great advice on how to stay mentally positive.

After finding herself back in hospital again due to an infection and low counts, Alice is feeling deflated and wants to be back at home. After a talk with the doctors however, Alice soon realises she must stay and get better before she can return home, and sure enough, proving everyone wrong, her counts steadily creep back up to normal range! An ecstatic Alice finally returns to her home comforts, but also returns to the ever looming exam results day, causing her to feel a mixture of emotions. The day arrives, and amazingly, Alice gains a sparkling set of grades, despite being extremely ill when sitting them. A post exams party with friends means only one thing…drunken, camp dancing from Jordan! It’s a case of festival fever as Alice has an amazing time at V and Reading, managing to meet one of her favourite bands, Muse. After all the fun of mingling with celebrities, Alice is suitably worn out, but doesn’t stop there…she has a full treatment plan sorted and is already planning a holiday!

As Alice starts her first cycle of chemo, we get a lowdown of how things are going during her stay in hospital. Alice is excited at the thought of being discharged and keeps in high spirits as she completes the first hurdle. Back at home, it’s a nice change from the hospital walls and time for another trip to the seaside for Alice and family where fresh sea air comes as a welcome break from the lovely fumes of hospital! As chemo kicks in, Alice begins to feel the side effects and unfortunately finds herself back in hospital after a high temperature and low neutrophils mean that a close eye has to be kept on things. Now back on the adult ward again and feeling miserable, Alice explains how a teenage unit is desperately needed for young people so their time in hospital is made considerably more comfortable. With chemo comes side effects and then cravings…this time it’s Cuppa Soup for Alice!

It’s nearly two years to the day since Alice was first diagnosed and although she finds herself in a similar situation treatment wise, she is more determined than ever. As radiotherapy on her head does its job, Alice’s hair begins to fall out until she can’t bear the itch any longer and gets it all shaved off. Race for life day arrives as Alice and her mum proudly walk the walk for Rhabdo and successfully reach the finish line, an achievement in itself! Pain in Alice’s back causes concern until a series of scans reveal the underlying problem- a tumour in her spine and frustratingly, it’s back in her bone marrow once more. Never one to stay down for long, Alice isn’t looking forward to more chemo, but is eager to start treatment and start fighting again. As Alice talks us through her treatment plan, she explains how frustrated and shocked she feels at the thought of the cancer being back in her bone marrow and can’t understand why it keeps coming back. Instead of a Hickman line, this time round Alice has a portacath fitted in preparation for chemo and starts to get ready for her time in hospital, which surprisingly Alice is looking forward to, mainly so she can get it done and get on with her life once more.

Gavin gives us a tour of the place he spent quite a bit of time…Belfast City Hospital, showing us various features and giving us a running commentary of what life is like when you are living in hospital surroundings constantly. Gavin’s mum also talks about life in hospital, and explains how you just have to take each day as it comes as some days are better than others. The view from Gavin’s room is an impressive one, with views of the city all around…a bit like a five star hotel really! Gavin talks about how important it is to stay positive and how keeping in contact with friends and family is vital to keep your spirits up. During his time in hospital, Gavin also explains how he got through over 100 DVD’s- an impressive number even for the most avid film watcher!

It’s another busy week for Bonnie as nights out with the CLIC Sargent team and show rehearsals are only a few of the things listed in her packed social diary! As she begins to get chemo out of her system, Bonnie experiences a few nasty side effects including back pain and jitteriness, but carries on as usual and throws herself into other exciting projects. Next stop, the sea, where Bonnie tries her hand at sailing, and by the looks of things, is a natural! As the sunny weather continues, the party invitations are flooding in, as are lively renditions of unforgettable hits such as “Stacey’s Mom”, which soon gets the crowd going. After a manic week, Bonnie and her mum take a relaxing spa break and look forward to some luxury treatments….a well deserved treat I’d say!

As glitzy and jam packed as any good television show, this is Rosa TV, a new addition here on jimmyteens, hosted by Rosa Coker Burnett, who, by the looks of things, is destined to be a TV star. First on the agenda is an interview with Rosa, as we learn about her experience with cancer and how she occupied her time in hospital, visiting the school room and playing Simpson’s games being top on the list! In between talking, Rosa flicks through her sacred journal, bursting to the brim with riddles, poems, stickers, pictures and memories of her time in hospital. We are also introduced to a line up of furry friends- Poppy the rabbit, George the bear with glasses, Monkey, and Snuffles, who is feeling a little camera shy and won’t sit up with the others. Like any good television crew, we get a change of scenery and a break from the studio as Rosa walks and talks whilst taking the real Poppy for a run around in the surrounding woods outside her home.

In the latest video diary, Jenna gets a break from hospital scenery when she comes home to celebrate a selection of family birthdays, which only means one thing- lots of cake! First up is Ashlee’s birthday party, where Jenna’s Grandad makes an entrance and even the dog shows up to join in with the festivities! Jenna performs an impressive solo during ‘Happy Birthday’ and we get an insight into what life at home is like, the musical theme continuing with fantastic piano playing from Ashlee. Next up is Phillip’s birthday, which means more celebrations, however this time the candles are refusing to go out! After a hectic time partying, it’s back to chemo for Jenna, although spirits are high as she prepares to cross off her last lot!

Always equipped with excellent advice, Bonnie talks about dealing with stoma bags and explains the complex process of wearing one constantly. With her hair increasingly falling out, she updates us on the latest loss of hair and, as chemo takes its toll, she struggles with sickness and fatigue amongst getting on with her day to day life. Always one to keep busy, Bonnie has an active few days as she sees friends and family and invites some girl pals round for roast dinner, complete with a snowy setting! Keeping everything crossed, Bonnie also prepares for her latest CT scan and looks forward to her three month break from chemo before her next cycle.