Antonia Rubio was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer at just 24 years old. It has been a tough few years, but it was a journey she was happy to share with Sportscast Jersey.
Dan spoke with Toniie, discussing the diagnosis, the symptoms, how she shared her story via social media and taking part in Race For Life with friends.
Full extended interview below.
Firstly, have you always been into your sport?
When I was younger my Dad got us into football, we used to spend most weekends at the Social Club watching the games and eventually I ended up playing for St Brelade. My Mums side of the family are from Liverpool so there is a big rivalry between the Evertonians and the Liverpudlians. Surprisingly, I have only ever seen Everton play at Goodison despite being a Liverpool fan but a dream of mine is to see them play at Anfield next year once I am better. Whilst at JCG I always got involved with house sporting events (despite not always being great at them). I always loved participating and the feeling of being a part of a team, some of those events are some of the happiest memories I have of school.
I’ve been watching the Women’s Football and Netball World Cup the last few weeks and been feeling really inspired. Once I am feeling up to it, I really want to get back into sports and join a team here in Jersey. Not being able to have complete control over my body the last few months has been really frustrating so I will be making the most of it once I am fit and well again! I also think it would be a really great way of meeting new people and making friends especially after being isolated for so long during my treatment.
It’s been a hard few years, tell us more about what’s happened and how much it has affected your life?
I was in my 4th year of university in Brighton when I unexpectedly became ill in November 2020. We were in the midst of another lockdown which made it really difficult for them to figure out what was wrong with me due to the strain on the NHS with minimal resources and all the focus being on covid. Eventually I became too unwell to carry on with my studies and I had to move back home to Jersey. It wasn’t until 9 months later I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Despite receiving a diagnosis I still felt that something was being missed and eventually in 2021 I discovered a lump on my neck. The biopsy came back ‘inconclusive ’and it wasn’t until I had a hemi-thyroidectomy (removal of the right side of my thyroid) in March 2023 which the results of that came back malignant, I was then diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer at the age of 24. By the time the tumour was removed, it had grown to 4cm and a further 2 foci (smaller tumours) were also found during my first surgery. I underwent a second surgery to remove the rest of my thyroid (left side) in April 2023, luckily the results of that came back negative which meant that the cancer had only spread to the right side of my neck and not the left side which I was really grateful to hear!
Since undergoing those two surgeries, I have begun a cell treatment in Jersey which I will have for the next few months. The final part of my treatment will take part in Southampton in October 2023. This is a Radioactive Iodine Treatment which will hopefully remove any remaining cancer cells and also reduce the chance of reoccurrence in the future. It takes 9 months to know whether the treatment has worked and get the results so I’m hoping and praying I’ll get the all clear by July 2024!
You recently took part in race for life, how good was that for you personally?
The Race for Life was really significant for me in many ways. I decided to keep my diagnosis private for the first few months to allow myself time to process what was happening. I knew I wanted to participate in the race alongside all my friends but I also knew that meant people finding out about me being diagnosed with cancer and it becoming public knowledge. Once the time came to do the race in May, I felt confident and stood proud whilst all my friends and family wrote my name on their posters and t-shirts. It was a surreal moment, I spent a lot of that day crying. It’s hard to describe but I don’t think it just ‘hits ’you one day that you have cancer, it comes in waves and a big wave definitely hit that day. I had previously done the Race for Life in 2015 after my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, luckily he is okay now but doing the race also bought up a lot memories about those people who weren’t as lucky as him and didn’t survive cancer such as my Nana Dolly. I know that she would have been really proud of me which is why I’ve decided to own being diagnosed with cancer and try to make a positive impact by being open with my journey and raising awareness. I try and post authentically on social media such as Instagram and Tik Tok about my cancer journey. Some people only post the highlights of their life online and that’s all well and good but it’s unrealistic and not a true representation about what life is actually like. I want to be vulnerable and open so that people who are also going through a difficult time, regardless of whether that is having cancer, can see my posts and know that’s it’s okay not to always be okay.
How amazing was the support that you received in person and through donations?
I am so proud of myself and the team for raising such an amazing amount of money for a really valuable charity. Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation who fund scientists, doctors and nurses to work towards the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
One thing that was really special to me is that people donated to our team despite not knowing about my diagnosis. They just wanted to show their support and give generously to a good cause and it wasn’t until after the Race I received messages from people who had donated saying that they had no idea what I had been going through. Once the news had spread, I received the most amazing messages from not only family and friends but strangers who had come across my story from others sharing the fundraising link on social media.
When you’re going through a hard journey such as battling cancer, messages of support are so valuable. Sometimes I’ll be having a bad day and then received a lovely message and it really gives me the boost I need and brightens my day. It reminds me why I am fighting, for not only me, but those around me. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who have loved and supported me unconditionally throughout the last few months. People think it is just me fighting the cancer but there is whole team behind me who put in just as much work as me. My Mum, Dad and Boyfriend have looked after me so much the last few months. After undergoing two major surgeries within the space of a month, I couldn’t walk, wash or eat without assistance and had to rely on them to help me with everything. I’ve come so far in the past fews months and I know that once I beat this, I have a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to see what a cancer free life has in store for me.
How important is it to raise money and awareness?
The word ‘cancer’ is so familiar to most of us, but we are not always familiar with the symptoms to look out for. All cancers are different which means that symptoms can vary from person to person.
It’s so important to constantly be raising awareness and continue having these difficult conversation about cancer no matter how discomforting it may be. 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. The reality of this statistic is that we all know someone who has been affected by cancer, whether that being a friend or family member. This is why is it so important to continuously be raising money to support charities such as Cancer Research to fund their research into eventually finding a cure. Educating ourselves as much as possible about cancer will also help with early detection which can be vital to receiving treatment and prevent further progression.
How good are these charity events, such as race for life, as a whole?
Charity events such as the Race for Life are valuable in so many ways. This year has taught me the importance of treating your body like a temple! Eating healthy and moving more is not only good for you physically but also mentally. Working towards and preparing for sporting events such as the Race for Life give individuals a focus and something to work towards. It is an opportunity for individuals to challenge themselves whilst also raising awareness and money for great causes.
We are really lucky to live on an Island that emphasises the importance of charity and community. There are a number of charity events for people to get involved with throughout the year here in Jersey. They are all varied and cater to a number of sports so there is always something for everyone to get involved with!
The Race for Life and other charity events are also invaluable to individuals affected by the cause, both directly and indirectly. It brings people together to celebrate not only those still fighting but those who may have lost their life. It is a chance to remember and honour people who are no longer with us and wear their names proudly.
How much has sport played apart in helping you keep positive, even if that’s just walking and keeping active where you can?
The number one thing I was told would help my recovery after surgery was to get moving as much as possible. Each day I try and get my steps in by going for walks along the cycle track and sand dunes. Being outside and in the fresh air has been so good for both my mental and physical health during this time. There will be a period of time where I won’t be allowed outside during my treatment in Southampton so I am trying to make the most of my freedom now by getting out and moving as much as possible!
I’m really restricted with what I can currently do in terms of socialising and meeting up with people. My immune system is compromised at the moment so I only meet up with friends outside. Nothing makes me happier than being able to catch up with friends over a walk after being stuck inside for so long. It really boosts my mood and reminds me of all the things I have to look forward to once I am better and keeps me motivated to push on.
How important is it to stay positive too!
I received a message from a lovely girl who had cancer in 2020 and she told me ‘you have to believe you’re going on to be okay and that’s how you will get through it. ’
When you get diagnosed with cancer, I feel like you choose which path you’re going to go down in terms of how to deal with it. I decided to embrace it and be positive rather than dwelling on the cards I have been dealt. Don’t get me wrong, it has been really tough and I have my down days but I remind myself each day that I will get through this and I have to believe in myself. I want to turn this experience into something positive by spreading awareness and helping other people who may be going through a similar thing. I’ve had people reach out to me on social media who are in the midst of being diagnosed or who are in the early stages of their cancer journey. I am glad that I have been able to help others during this time in their life because connecting with other people who are able to relate to me and my cancer journey has brought me a lot of comfort during the past few months.
Do you have any more sporting challenges coming up to raise money?
Right now my full focus is getting through my treatment the next few months! However, in January it is my 25th birthday and I’m thinking of some ideas to challenge myself whilst raising money for a good cause. I’ve received the most amazing support from Macmillan and CLIC Sargent the past few months so I really want to find a way to raise some money and give back to them to thank them for all they have done for me.
In the long term, I want to complete the Race for Life again next May but this time I want to run. I could only walk last year as I was still recovering from my surgeries but next year I really want to push myself. Obviously I want to do it in a safe and healthy way by respecting my body and its limits but I’m really looking forward to having the freedom to make decisions for myself in the future and see what my body can achieve once I’m cancer free.
A huge thanks to Antonia for speaking with Dan so openly.
The link to the fundraising page can be found here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/antonias-team-10?fbclid=IwAR3lqawb6S14sJdwNhmPvTKqLblm1tXeUxMCtRn1e6ofgZB6ZUUn0ByJ6e8
