The Princess of Wales shared the gruelling effect of her chemotherapy treatment in her updates to the nation last year.
Kate visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, on Tuesday to thank staff for her care and offer support to fellow patients as it was revealed she was treated at the state-of-the-art institution.
In a written message released in June, the princess said she had “good days and bad days”, was “not out of the woods yet” and was facing a few more months of the drug treatment.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she said.
I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2024
I am making good progress, but as anyone going… pic.twitter.com/J1jTlgwRU8
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting.
“But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
She added she was “taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal”.
In September, Kate confirmed she had finished her chemotherapy and told of her joy.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said in a video.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL
William also reflected on 2024, which saw his father the King diagnosed with cancer as well, describing it as “brutal” and probably “the hardest year of my life”.
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells which can help prevent the disease returning.
There are many types of chemotherapy drugs and patients can take the treatment as tablets at home, with regular check-ups from medical staff, or intravenously, with the liquid drug fed into the body through a vein during an outpatient hospital appointment.
The treatment has side effects as healthy cells are damaged alongside cancer cells, and patients can experience tiredness, vomiting, hair loss and have an increased risk of getting infections, dry, sore or itchy skin and bowel issues.
During her visit to the Royal Marsden, Kate spoke to one patient who was wearing a cold cap which can be worn during some chemotherapy treatments.
Its cooling effect reduces blood flow to the scalp, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy medication reaching the area and helps to prevent hair loss.
