“POSTING ON INSTAGRAM HAS HELPED ME PIECE TOGETHER MY JOURNEY

Posted 2nd July 2021

A young woman, diagnosed with leukaemia, has said documenting her experiences on Instagram has helped to recall parts of her recovery, after serious side effects left her close to death.

Pamela Armillei, 40, from Isle of Man, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in April 2021 after a routine blood test. She explains: “It was a normal day. I’d had the day before off work and been relaxing in the garden. I’d felt fine, if a little tired and more breathless during my usual exercise.

“But two hours after the blood test, my GP called asking lots of questions. I had to pack a bag and go to A&E. Before I knew it, I was being flown to Liverpool for specialist treatment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool. It was a rollercoaster.”

However, after arriving in the city and beginning chemotherapy treatment, a chest infection meant Pamela was transferred to intensive care at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, situated right next door to the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.

“My condition deteriorated significantly at times, including having a cardiac arrest. I was given CPR and my husband Armando and our family were told to prepare for the worst,” says Pamela.

Thanks to the joint efforts of multiple medical professionals, Pamela recovered from the chest infection and was able to be transferred back to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to continue her cancer treatment.

Pamela has been documenting her experiences on her Instagram page, @theleukaemiadiaries. “It’s helped me remember loads from throughout my experience. Particularly when I was in intensive care, I can’t remember a lot of what happened before then, so it’s really helped to piece it together for me.

“I’ve been documenting everything, from the hospital food I’m eating and the pyjamas I’m wearing through to elements of my treatment and the gorgeous view from my room over the city. Not only does it keep me going, it helps me keep in touch with the outside world.

“I’ve been at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for ten weeks now and it feels like home to me. It’s like a hotel and the staff are like family. Because I’ve been unable to see Armando or my family, I’ve really got to know the staff and they keep me going,” says Pamela.

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, the city’s specialist cancer hospital, marked its first anniversary on 29th June.

The hospital is situated on Pembroke Place, in the city’s Knowledge Quarter. Its close proximity to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital means patients like Pamela have quicker access to specialist services and expertise if they become acutely unwell whilst receiving cancer treatment.

Dr Gabe Toth, Consultant Haematologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, who is leading Pamela’s care said: “Having the expertise of our colleagues at the Royal close at hand is hugely beneficial to patients such as Pamela.

“It is thanks to the multi-disciplinary effort of professionals from both Trusts, working together, that have resulted in a positive outcome.

“Having two hospitals like this, close together, is pretty unique and means that our patients benefit quickly from the expertise and specialities available in the Royal should they become severely unwell.”

Pamela is hoping to be reunited with her family soon, but until then, is using social media and technology to keep herself busy during her extended say in hospital. “As well as documenting my journey on Instagram, I’ve been playing loads of games and me and Armando have a regular movie night. We both watch the same film whilst on Facetime with each other.

“It’s not quite the same as being cuddled up on the sofa. But I’m hoping my treatment continues to go well and we’ll get to do that in person, soon.”