A woman who found herself getting more out of breath than usual when exercising was later diagnosed with leukaemia.
Pamela Armillei said it was a ‘normal day’ when she received the life changing news that she had acute myeloid leukaemia, in April 2021.
The 40-year-old was given the diagnosis by doctors after a routine blood test showed abnormalities.
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Pamela, from the Isle of Man, said: "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."
After arriving in Liverpool, Pamela’s family were told to prepare for the worst as her condition worsened.
At the beginning of chemotherapy she contracted a chest infection which led to complications, including a cardiac arrest.
She was immediately transferred to intensive care at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, situated next door to the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.
She said: "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.”
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During her recovery, Pamela said documenting her experiences on Instagram @theleukaemiadiaries has helped her process the situation.
She said: "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."
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre marked its first anniversary this week.
Patients such as Pamela can now benefit from its close proximity to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital if they become unwell whilst receiving cancer treatment.
Dr Gabe Toth, Consultant Haematologist, 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 stay in hospital.
She said: "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."
