How do you feel about lockdown easing?

But if you’re immunocompromised and don’t yet know if the covid vaccine is effective for you, taking advantage of these new freedoms is not a straightforward choice. We asked six people affected by blood cancer how they’re feeling about restrictions lifting.

As a CLL patient undergoing treatment, I remain extremely vulnerable to covid-19. I just had an antibody test following my second vaccine and, as expected, it was negative. So I am resigned to being careful for a while longer. However, I have learnt to adapt and will try to balance caution with taking acceptable risks.

Before undertaking any activity, I will consult with my clinical team to get their opinion on whether it’s safe. For example, I still hope to take part in the Great North Run, as it’s likely they will take extra covid-19 precautions. But it’ll be a while before I visit crowded indoor spaces.

We have information about chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and understanding your level of risk.

I'm so pleased that most people can now start to reconnect, but there are households like ours where this isn't possible. For us, there'll be no hugging, travelling or socialising and it's now that I fear we'll be officially forgotten. We've felt forgotten for over a year but this feels different.

Until we know more about individualised risk, response to the vaccine and a host of other unanswered questions, this won't change.

I'm reminding myself to be kind – both to others and myself. And I will tell myself, daily if I have to, that it's always okay to not be okay and that we are stronger than we think, feel or believe.

You may find it helpful to read our information about the effectiveness of the vaccine for people with blood cancer. We also have information on non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

I made up my mind when shielding was paused last summer that I would make the most of everything that I was allowed to do and enjoy life.

I’m still waiting to spend my vouchers from last year for my trip to New Zealand and nearby islands, but I doubt it will happen this year. If there’s a trouble-free way of travelling abroad this year then I might go for an old favourite and spend a few days in Malta where I’ve been lots of times.

Read our information on myeloma.

I’m so excited that everything is opening up again. Even though I live with CML and am on oral chemotherapy, I’m lucky enough to have a really good immune system, so I’ve not lived in fear of covid over the last year. But I’ve been longing to see friends inside, go to art galleries, sit in coffee shops and restaurants.

As my risk is low, I feel ready to ignore the fear and have fun. We only live once, so I want to have a good time, while being sensible obviously!

I’d just spent two years of my life in total or semi isolation, wearing a mask in public – and then covid comes along and gives me another 18 months of it!

After all, what was the point of going through all that uncomfortable treatment if I I’m not going to take full advantage of the end of lockdown to explore my new freedom?

Freedom with wisdom. Yes, I want to go to the cinema. Yes, I want to eat inside at a nice restaurant. But I will continue to prefer safer environments – smaller groups indoors, long walks in the countryside, bike rides with the kids.

Find out more about acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

I’ve decided to wait and see what happens to the covid numbers now that many restrictions have been lifted.

When going for my morning walk or to medical appointments, masked up, I find it very hustley, bustley and fumy out there.

I really miss family and friends and having a cuddle, but while most of them appreciate my point of view, others are putting pressure on me to meet up. That hurts. I feel if they cared about me and listened to me, they would understand.

It makes me more determined to emerge on my own terms. I will probably continue to wear a mask in most situations. I’ve also decided to invest in a hat with a big floppy brim to keep people at a distance!

If you’re feeling uncertain about lockdown easing, read our information on coping with risk and uncertainty.