In
a poignant revelation, Megan McClay, a 30-year-old woman hailing from Wymondham
in Norfolk, opens up about her profound lessons and priorities as she confronts
a terminal cancer diagnosis. Megan, an Aviva pensioners worker, was diagnosed
with ocular melanoma, an exceedingly rare form of eye cancer affecting
approximately five in one million adults.
Her journey with this relentless adversary began at the age of
26 when she noticed a subtle flashing light in the corner of her eye, initially
dismissing it as a mere migraine symptom. Unfortunately, a year and a half ago,
Megan received the devastating news that her cancer had metastasized to her
liver, rendering it terminal. Doctors, with a heavy heart, offered her a mere
two years to live.
Megan's 
Megan McClay has been diagnosed with terminal cancer at just 30 years old
story is now featured in the "What Matters
Most?" exhibition at the Senedd Oriel at the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff.
This exhibition serves as a platform to share the narratives of individuals
grappling with terminal illnesses, providing insight into their experiences and
perspectives. Megan's journey, which includes being left blind in her left eye
due to intensive stereotactic radiotherapy, has compelled her to reevaluate her
life's priorities.
Expressing her desire to leave a lasting legacy, Megan
emphasizes the importance of slowing down amidst life's hustle. She encourages
people to pause, disconnect from the digital realm, and cherish moments with
loved ones. Megan reflects on the societal pursuit of more significant material
possessions, urging individuals to appreciate the present rather than
constantly yearning for the next big thing.
Another valuable lesson Megan imparts is about open
communication regarding her illness. By incorporating humor and avoiding
euphemistic language, she hopes to create a comfortable space for discussions
about her condition. Megan acknowledges the challenges her friends and family
face in coming to terms with her prognosis, underlining the importance of
fostering an environment where conversations about life and death can happen
organically.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Megan approaches life with
resilience and a distinct perspective. She rejects the notion of a conventional
bucket list, finding it overwhelming, and advocates for spending her remaining
time in ways that align with her true desires. Her message is clear – embrace
the present, follow your heart's desires, and don't succumb to societal
expectations or pressures.
Megan's journey with ocular melanoma has been a rollercoaster of
emotions, marked by treatment, setbacks, and moments of hope. Initially, her
treatment showed promise as the tumor shrank, but further research with the
UK-based charity Ocumel revealed the harsh reality – a 50 percent chance of the
cancer spreading to the liver, rendering it terminal. Eighteen months ago,
Megan received the heartbreaking confirmation that the cancer had indeed
reached her liver.
In the face of adversity, Megan chooses to focus on the
positives, emphasizing the early detection of her cancer and eligibility for
treatment. She acknowledges the stark realities of ocular melanoma, where a
significant percentage of individuals may not survive even a year. Yet, she
finds solace in witnessing others defy the odds, living several years
post-diagnosis, as advancements in treatments continue.
Megan, once naive about the severity of her diagnosis, now
grapples with the physical and emotional toll of the disease. Fatigue, a
constant companion, limits her daily activities, and she navigates the
challenges of her 'new body' with frustration. Weekly immunotherapy sessions
offer a semblance of containment for her cancer, although a cure remains
elusive due to the rarity of ocular melanoma.
Undeterred, Megan has embarked on a fundraising journey,
amassing over £80,000 to access chemosaturation treatment, unavailable through
the NHS. This innovative treatment isolates the liver and administers
chemotherapy, proving effective for nearly 90 percent of patients. Megan's
determination to explore alternative treatments showcases her resilience and
unwavering spirit in the face of limited medical options.
The "What Matters Most?" exhibition, capturing Megan's
journey, is a collaboration between non-profit organization Same But Different,
end-of-life charities Marie Curie and Hospice UK, and is supported by the
National Lottery Community Fund. Through the lens of photographer Ceridwen
Hughes, inspired by her personal experience with end-of-life care, the
exhibition serves as a testament to the strength, vulnerability, and profound
reflections of individuals confronting terminal illnesses.
Megan's story, a poignant reminder of life's fragility and
resilience, resonates far beyond her personal journey. It prompts us to
reevaluate our priorities, cherish each moment, and approach life with a sense
of gratitude and authenticity. The exhibition, running until February 15 at the
Senedd Oriel, invites visitors to contemplate the profound question – What
truly matters most in the face of life's inevitable uncertainties?