Terminal Cancer Patient Frustrated by Insensitive Questions and Comments

Khadejah Sutherland, a 25-year-old teacher from Birmingham, has been battling terminal cancer after the disease spread from her breast to her liver. Despite undergoing grueling treatment and going into remission in June 2023, the cancer unfortunately returned and is now incurable. Alongside the emotional toll of her diagnosis, Khadejah has been left frustrated by people's thoughtless comments and questions, particularly those that are insensitive and intrusive. She has urged people to "think before they speak" when in a conversation with someone who has a terminal illness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Khadejah Sutherland, a 25-year-old teacher from Birmingham, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer after the disease spread from her breast to her liver.
  • Despite undergoing treatment and going into remission in June 2023, the cancer unfortunately returned and is now incurable.
  • Khadejah has been left frustrated by people's thoughtless comments and questions, particularly those that are insensitive and intrusive.
  • She has urged people to "think before they speak" when in a conversation with someone who has a terminal illness.
  • Khadejah has been subjected to unwanted messages online from strangers offering "miracle cures" and has even received comments from people suggesting that she has no reason to undergo chemotherapy.
  • Khadejah has been open about her frustration with people's comments, stating that she is tired of being asked insensitive questions such as whether she is dating or scared to die.
  • She has also spoken about the emotional toll of her diagnosis, including skin breakouts, weight gain, and struggles with people comparing her to her pre-diagnosis appearance.
  • Khadejah is fundraising PS30,000 in the hopes of traveling the world while battling cancer.

Statistics:

  • 10 surgeries performed by Khadejah so far, with over 8 of which being related to her breast cancer treatment.
  • Age at which Khadejah was diagnosed with breast cancer: 22.
  • Time since Khadejah's initial breast cancer diagnosis: 2 years.
  • The current stage of Khadejah's cancer: Stage 4.

Sources:

  • What's The Jam
  • Donate to Travel the world whilst battling cancer, organised by Khadejah Brooks-Sutherland