01/06/2026
In tonight’s episode of EastEnders, Denise's acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) diagnosis continues to play out.
Being diagnosed with blood cancer can bring a huge range of emotions. For some people, it's shock, fear or disbelief. Others may focus on practical questions, feel numb, or struggle to process what's happening at all.
There's no 'right' way to react. Everyone's experience is unique, and no two diagnoses, conversations, or journeys will be exactly the same.
Marie, who was also diagnosed with AML told us:
"I felt just complete shock at the diagnosis. I think we often go through life thinking we're invincible and that the things that happen to other people will never happen to us. I felt like I was watching a movie and that this was all happening to someone else.
I think I buried my head in the sand at first. I wanted to be strong for my family and in my head, I just thought I had something like the flu.
The reality hadn’t yet hit home and all I was focusing on was how it was going to be treated. I wanted to know the practical side of getting from A (being poorly) to B (being well).
I didn’t want to read anything about AML in the first few days. I hadn’t really registered what I was going through. It probably took several weeks to sink in and for me to process what was happening."
If you've been affected by blood cancer, or you're supporting someone who has, we're here for you. Whether you want information, emotional support, or simply someone to talk to, you don't have to face it alone.
Find support and information about coping with the emotional impact of blood cancer on our website:
https://bit.ly/4fYViQy
