Woyem News 
Ellie Allman, a mother from Hadleigh, Suffolk, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) just days before her 30th birthday and later discovered she also had myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Despite facing these challenges, Ellie feels empowered by what she has overcome. After being diagnosed with CF, Ellie had to retire from her job and struggled with mental health issues, including anorexia. However, after starting a new medication called Kaftrio in 2021, her health improved significantly. But less than a year later, she became very unwell and received the devastating news of her cancer diagnosis. She underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a stem cell transplant. Now in remission, Ellie is undergoing maintenance chemotherapy and continues to take Kaftrio, which has greatly reduced her CF symptoms.
During her childhood, Ellie experienced several chest infections and bouts of flu, but she was otherwise healthy and active. She rarely visited the doctor, dismissing her symptoms as just a cough. It was not until after she gave birth to her son that she received the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Initially, she struggled mentally with the label of having a chronic illness. Over time, she underwent treatment and therapy to manage her CF and mental health.
Ellie’s journey took another unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with myeloma. The treatments for her cancer caused intense pain and side effects, but she endured them in the hope of achieving remission and potentially having a second transplant in the future. Now in remission, she is undergoing maintenance chemotherapy and continuing to take Kaftrio.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Ellie feels empowered by her ability to handle her CF, anorexia, cancer diagnosis, and treatments. She appreciates the support she has received from her husband, son, doctors, consultants, and the charity Ending Life’s Taboo. Ellie has learned to prioritize her health and time with her family, and she finds joy in simple things like dog walks, meeting friends, and spending time with loved ones.
While myeloma is incurable, Ellie remains hopeful and holds onto the possibility of new treatments like Kaftrio for cancer becoming available in the future. She is applying to become a magistrate and plans to continue living her life to the fullest. Throughout her journey, Ellie has found something positive to focus on and hopes for, which has kept her going.
It’s important to note that Ellie’s cancer is not linked to her CF. For more information about cystic fibrosis and its complications, visit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust website.
