It’s been an incredibly difficult week for me, and I wanted to take a moment to update everyone on my current situation. As some of you know, I’ve been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a type of blood cancer that requires ongoing treatment. Currently, I’m receiving care in the UK, but things have taken a turn that has left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and, to be honest, very scared.
Recently, I had to request an Authorized Break in Studies (ABS) from my university due to my health condition. While I was hoping this would allow me the time I need to focus on my treatment, I’ve now been informed that if the ABS is approved, I may be required to leave the UK and return to my home country, Nigeria.
This news has been devastating for me.
In Nigeria, there simply aren’t the medical facilities to properly manage and follow up on my treatment for CML. Blood cancer treatment requires specialized care, something that just isn’t available where I’m from. I’ve been advised by my school to write to the UKVI, seeking an exemption on health grounds, but even that feels like a long shot, and the uncertainty is eating me alive.
To make matters worse, my mother who already suffers from high blood pressure had a stroke when she learned about my diagnosis. As her only child, my health is already a major strain on her well-being, and the thought of leaving the UK and going back to Nigeria terrifies me for both her sake and mine.
The weight of all of this is unbearable. My mental health has taken a serious hit. It feels like I’m trapped between two impossible choices: stay and fight for my life, or return home and risk losing everything I’ve fought so hard for. The thought of being forced to stop treatment or face inadequate care feels like a death sentence. Some days, I wonder if I have the strength to keep fighting, and I’ve found myself on the edge of despair so much so that I’ve even had suicidal thoughts.
I never imagined I’d be in this situation, and it’s terrifying. I’m trying to remain hopeful and get through this, but it’s hard when every day feels like a battle for my life in more ways than one.
I’m sharing this because I don’t want to suffer in silence anymore. I need support, and I need the UKVI to understand that this is more than just a visa issue, this is about my life, my health, and my future. If anyone has any advice, knows who I can reach out to, or even just wants to offer some words of encouragement, I would be so grateful.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. I’m doing my best to keep going, but right now, I feel more lost than ever.
Temi
️️️
