Lotte May: From Stage 4B Survivor to Cancer Researcher & Founder of Comfort Crate
Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Back in 2018, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4b Hodgkin Lymphoma. Like Many of you reading this, I was suddenly introduced to a world of complex medical terms, hospital appointments, and the daunting reality of a six-month chemotherapy regimen. While my medical team was incredible at treating the cancer, I quickly realised there was a massive gap in cancer care: the day-to-day reality of living with the side effects of chemotherapy.
{Lotte May before and after chemotherapy}
The Missing Piece of Cancer Treatment
During chemotherapy, I faced a mountain of chemo side effects: debilitating nausea, overwhelming fatigue, hair loss, skin sores and the heavy emotional toll that comes with it all. I found myself asking questions like:
- 'How do I stop this metallic taste in my mouth?'
- 'What is the best skin care products for chemo patients?'
- 'How do I manage Chemo Brain?'
{Customers using wellness strategies from Conquer Cancer Guidebook}
My medical team was great for clinical care, but there was little support for the practical, day to day side of treatment. Sometimes the information I did get was so overwhelming that I could not find the right piece of info while feeling so unwell. I felt frustrated and isolated, only to realise later that struggling to find the right side-effect support is something almost every cancer patient experiences.
Turning Frustration into Research
{Conquer Cancer Guidebook by Lotte May}
Determined to find better answers, I delved into the world of oncology research, patient advocacy and completing qualifications in Cancer Support. My research and studying included:
- Identifying the most common side effects of chemotherapy.
- Exploring hundreds of products and holistic strategies used globally to ease the side effects.
- Testing these solutions with our incredible community of cancer patients and survivors to see what actually works.
Through this process, I discovered the top performers to ease each side effect to create a list of essentials that truly make a difference in a cancer patients' quality of life.
Why I created the Chemo Side Effect Guidebook & Comfort Crate
I didn't want anyone else to feel as lost as I did. I took everything I learned and studied and complied it into a comprehensive book:
Conquer Cancer: The Ultimate Guide to Managing Chemo Side Effects for a Healthier, Happier You
{Chemo kit to ease side effects}
My goal is simple, to help you become an expert in managing your own side effects of chemotherapy so you can live life a little more comfortably. This research also led to the creation of Comfort Crate. I've curated specific Chemo Support Kits that include the exact products I found to be the most effective during my cancer journey and research.
You Are Not Alone
Whether you are just starting your first round of chemotherapy or you are supporting a loved one though cancer treatment, please know that there are solutions for easing side effects beyond the clinical. CLICK HERE to explore our full chemo side effect guidebook and start taking control of your comfort and wellness today.
About the Author: Lotte May is a Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and the founder of Comfort Crate. She has dedicated her life to researching practical side effect management for chemotherapy. [Read more about the mission here]
Resources: Macmillan Cancer Support | NHS Oncology
