Jenny has been one of our clients for almost two years; she has asked us to share her story and the difference our support makes for her with the people who have made it possible: people like you.
“The discovery of my cancer is unusual to say the least, my cat decided she would like a cuddle and accidently knocked my chest causing discomfort and pain. Then I found the lump in my breast.
My said it was probably a cyst,. After further investigations I heard the news I was not expecting or prepared for, “You have breast cancer”. Arrangements were made for a lumpectomy and a breast reduction.
Following treatment I received positive news – my lymph nodes were clear. I was well and felt happy with the results. I went along to the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Mid Essex Centre, but because I felt so healthy, I didn’t feel I needed to use the services on offer.
Almost five years. later I felt a pain in my knee unlike anything I had felt before. A physio-therapist told me that nothing was wrong. After 10 months of living with the pain I booked an appointment with a bone specialist. I was told the problem wasn’t within my leg and he advised me to go back to the breast clinic. I did as advised and a tumour in my femur was found. I was told I would need surgery to replace my femur and remove the tumour. However, after undergoing tests and MRI’s more tumours were discovered in my spine and pelvis. I was now facing a diagnosis of stage four cancer, in my bones. I received radiotherapy but was able to soldier on, focusing on the future. This all happened one month before my 5-year check.
Life went well for five years until I had a regular CT scan. It was found in my liver. I began chemotherapy in drug form and now I have it intravenously, this has been the worst part of my journey. For the first time I felt poorly.
Through a friend I was encouraged to go to the new Mid Essex Support Centre in Hatfield Peverel. Again, I still didn’t feel quite sick enough, I didn’t want to take any care from anyone else who may be more in need.
However, after a conversation with the Support Services Team I felt reassured that I did not have to fit into a particular picture to be considered a client, I felt very welcome, they were confident that they could help me. I have now been receiving reflexology treatments for almost two years, the difference it has made to me is truly incredible.
It has given me a new lease of life and I really look forward to my treatments. Initially I was frightened to go to the Support Centre, I didn’t know what I might see or hear, but the picture I had painted in my head could not be further from the reality. All of us facing a cancer journey, whether we have the diagnosis or we support those that do, should embrace Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, they really do make a difference. The fact that they are here for me and for those worse off than myself and are asking for nothing in return is amazing. We are really lucky.”
