Our Patient Stories

 

While nothing can prepare you for the rollercoaster of emotions that actually hit you like a rollercoaster after a cancer diagnosis, the brilliant team of professionals, staff and volunteers at the Cancer wellbeing Service make being part of the ‘club’ less scary.

Yes, they are kind, caring, supportive and always welcoming with a cup of tea and biscuits and a compassionate ear – but the service they provide is vital for anyone going through the trauma of cancer – and really does go over and above.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 – and the last place (I thought) I wanted to be was a somewhere other than in a medical setting that I had to admit I had the C word!

My first introduction to the service was through the Headstart programme, offering practical help with tying head scarves. It was pretty straightforward and fun at the time – I still had my bouncy bob hairstyle and hadn’t yet started chemo.

But what I didn’t realise until I look back was how much this prepared me for the time when I needed to consider my own appearance whilst undergoing treatment. The Look Good Feel Better programme which I was invited on to about three months into treatment gave me the chance to chat to other women and learn some useful tips on skincare and other tools to put me back in some kind of control.

After many months of gruelling treatment and then lockdown, I count myself as being lucky to have come out the other side.

It was the months that followed that made me realise just how valuable this service is; I have attended many complementary sessions like reflexology and acupuncture to help with ongoing side effects of medication – and most recently completed a wonderful relaxation course.

I am made feel so very welcome every time I visit – even having used the centre as a remote working base (enjoying the gorgeous gardens) in between hospital appointments on occasion.

The staff and the volunteers are such a fabulously friendly group of people – and they are the beating heart of the centre.

The work they do to help patients and their families at times when they are at their most vulnerable is exceptional. It may sound odd, but I now enjoy going to the centre, chatting to the wonderful people I have met and I really want to help spread the word ….

 

 

After three abortive attempts, on my fourth try I finally made it through the doors of the Robert Horrell Cancer Wellbeing Centre. With some trepidation I approached the lady volunteer at the desk, not sure what to expect. At that time I was anxious, miserable, dejected and at my lowest ebb, my radiotherapy hadn't gone well, it had to be terminated before it had run its full course and I was experiencing a lot of pain.

However I was warmly welcomed with a cup of tea and asked If I would like to speak to someone. I opted to speak to a staff member and was introduced to a lady , who with help from other members managed to put my life back on track, and to whom I shall be eternally grateful.

Obviously she was very experienced in dealing with people like myself, we sat down with a box of tissues and I poured my heart out to her. She assured me that I wasn't the only one ever to feel this way, I'm not sure that at this time I entirely believed her but found over time and talking to people my experience wasn't unique.

She suggested various counselling sessions with different people, being able between them to identify my problems and suggesting different solutions, most of which worked out well and enabled me to move on.

I found myself revealing things I never thought I would tell anyone, such was the trust I had placed in these ladies. One thing that became obvious was that to help me out of the rut I was in was that I needed to be around people, I was encouraged to attend the Craft Cafe, my first introduction didn't go well, such was the state I was in I burst into tears and made a beeline for the door.

Over a period of time though, I found myself making friends and taking an interest in various hobbies, it was amazing to find how many men like myself had found it difficult to come through the doors for the first time.

To help me meet more people it was suggested that I might be interested in some voluntary work and as a result I ended up at Ferry Meadows two to three times a week. Unfortunately, this is now reduced to twice a month due to Covid19, but we are trying to get back to normal as we are allowed.

Currently I am now a Master Mason, Vice Chairman of The Boston and South Lincs Merchant Navy Association and a member of a Facebook group that keeps me in touch with both Merchant Navy and Royal Navy colleagues .

Occasionally I have a bit of a dip, but with the support of a loving family and the knowledge that I have the support of the Centre should I need it, my life has been turned around , I never ever dreamt that I would need support mentally, being a big tough ex Seaman or so I thought. It has made me realise that all of us need a bit of help occasionally, and with Centres such as this you should never be afraid to ask.

There's no accolade good enough to describe the Centre and its wonderful staff, Thank you all so very much.

Chris Wren

 

My name is John and I had fully intended that my 80th birthday was to be a joyous occasion. Unfortunately my cancer returned with a vengeance and I was in hospital whilst a team of surgeons skilfully removed a large tumour, along with one on my kidneys and over 90% of my large intestine. 

Shortly after returning home I became very ill with many medical complications. For months I lay in my bed or sat in an armchair. It was on the recommendation of my district nurse that one day, my wife assisted me into a taxi and we went to the Cancer Wellbeing Centre. This was the turning point of my life. 

The professional compassionate staff helped me to deal with my fatigue, showed me how I could increase my diet, how to perform exercises especially for me, how to walk again, and much, much more. Most importantly I was helped to get my thinking and attitude more positive. The volunteers piled me with countless cups of coffee - all served with care and understanding - while fellow cancer patients supported me by sharing their experiences and amusing experiences. Every visit was a pleasant occasion. I was helped with every aspect of my recovery. 

For anyone suffering with, or recovering from, cancer there is no better place to visit. The proof is that, at the time of writing, I am a few days away from my 85th birthday. My wife and I are enjoying an active and happy life. We have a good social life and walk one to two miles most days. 

It is impossible for me to show my gratitude to so many people who cared for me.

 

I was directed to attend the Well Being Centre by my consultant. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer on the 20th December 2018, after further tests I had a mastectomy on the 8th March 2019. I did not wish reconstruction because of my age.

At one of my consultations with Mr Goh it was suggested I might find going to the Well Being Centre helpful. I contacted the centre and had a conversation with Caroline about the facilities available at the centre.

I booked into several courses and met Caroline and Kristen. I really enjoyed all the courses I attended and got a lot of help and reassurance from them. I also found they had an art morning on Wednesday and Friday so my husband and I came along to a session. Malcolm was invited to join with me. He brought along his art equipment as well.

After my operation I could not get back to my watercolour painting and popping along on a Wednesday or Friday morning I was encouraged to restart. My first picture was that of a Kingfisher. I loved every moment of doing this and found I started to have ideas to do more work. I met some very sick people who like me were scared of the future. They were all very friendly and helpful. I made many friends and looked forward every week to going along for a session.

The support and care I received was wonderful. Both Mary and Marianne were constantly giving support and encouragement to us all. I am so sorry it all had to stop because of Covid 19. To my delight I have just started back on the “Hope” course which again is very interesting and helpful. This is being run under Covid restrictions.

The Well Being Centre is a very worthwhile facility. I personally have memory lapses and often feel under the weather and exhausted but the facility has really helped me as I am sure it has for many others. Long may it be there.

Mary Pat Turner

 

 I developed Bladder Cancer some 2 years ago, my Peterborough City Hospital Specialist Nurse suggested that I explore attending the Managing Fatigue workshop for my continuing tiredness. I was aware of the Macmillan Cancer Wellbeing Service as my late wife, who also had cancer, attended the Look Good Feel Better course. From my initial telephone call and first workshop visit I have always felt welcome and everyone wanting to help. This even started with a cheerful welcome and offer of a cup of tea and biscuit on entering the building. the volunteers and staff are always caring, thoughtful and extremely helpful and constructive with their help and advice.

I have attended the Managing Fatigue and Brain Training workshops and I have had one to one meetings with Kristin. I have found these workshops and meetings have helped me tremendously with coping with the loss of my wife and my own cancer diagnosis and treatment. It has given me a greater understanding and desire to be positive despite constant setbacks and bad news.

I thoroughly recommend you give the Macmillan Cancer Wellbeing Service a chance and opportunity to give you support and help in your hour of need.