Jackie’s Story
I am Jackie, the Centre Manager at The Cancer Support Centre, and I was diagnosed with Breast cancer in May 2017. Something I really wasn’t expecting, and if there is a positive to be found then it really brought home to me the impact cancer can have, and how the Centre helps and supports clients.
This is my story and I hope it will help you understand a bit more about what the Cancer Support Centre does……
In May 2017 I was diagnosed with Breast cancer, grade 3 with vascular invasion, ER and HER2 positive.
I had a lumpectomy followed by Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy which all ended 28th December 2017. This date was really important to me, as it meant (in my head) that I was starting 2018 afresh to move forward.
I am on Medication for 10 years plus 6 monthly infusions to protect my bones ( as the medication strips oestrogen and consequently calcium from my body ) plus the annual check ups which are always an anxious time. So remember when talking to family, friends and colleagues, it doesn’t all stop once treatment is complete !
I was very much in denial until the reality of the treatment hit. It was during and then after my first chemo – I couldn’t deal with it and wanted to give up. Not like me at all because I usually have a very positive outlook. It was a talk with my Client Advocate at the Centre that gave me the encouragement I needed and laid out my path. These are the things that were recommended, and the things that I used.
I used a positive and self affirming Mantra spoken out loud, and in my head, repeatedly through the day when I was feeling ill or down – that was more help than you can imagine.
I changed to a more alkaline diet. Chemo makes your inside very acid and leads to the feelings of sickness. Eating Broccoli and cabbage, kale all the greens ! Made sooo much difference and by the second chemo the sickness feeling was much improved and very slight.
Fatigue – It is difficult to understand the tiredness you feel, but therapies helped enormously. I had chemo one week, Reiki next week to energise and clear the chemo fog, then Acupuncture next week to detox stomach kidneys spleen strengthen heart and lungs then chemo again the next week. This worked for me and I managed through the 9 chemo sessions of FEC, Docetaxel and Herceptin and 24 sessions of radio therapy.
My immune system got a real battering and I had several visits to hospital with high temperature and neutropenia (that is when your infection fighting white blood cells are dangerously depleted and infections can take hold) and had to take antibiotics.
I lost my hair, a silly thing and more important to me than I ever thought – someone recommended rubbing Coconut oil in my scalp every day and my hair grew back very quickly and thick, with a slight curl.
I learnt how to use breathing and relaxation techniques – these really helped me to manage my stress levels (and still does). I also learnt to identify those stresses I imposed on myself and those I could do nothing about.
The surgery meant I was unable to lift my right arm past half way without pain – Emmett / bowen therapy was recommended and I could immediately lift my arm above my head. Silly but it means when I get things out of the top cupboard, I am not reminded each time of what happened !
My confidence and self esteem was very low and decision making was challenging, and this has taken quite a while to get back. Positive thinking can only do so much !
I have been given the all clear which is fantastic, and now attend for my mammogram and check ups annually. Always an anxious time.
All these things and many more really helped me, are shared with our clients. Each person is facing different challenges, and has different recommendations according to what that is. The aim is always to ensure that clients feel as well as they can whatever is currently happening.
If you know anyone who would benefit from the things we offer at the Centre please let them know.