In 2021 during lockdown, Rebecca became aware of a lump in her breast. She was breastfeeding her second child at the time, so she was told that a blocked milk duct was a possibility. However, the lump did not go away, and a biopsy and mammogram showed 3 cancerous lumps. Rebecca was completely unprepared for this shocking news. She had chemotherapy and a mastectomy but was told that re-occurrence was a high risk because it had spread to many lymph glands. She has since learned that the cancer has spread to her spine and pelvis.
It has been very hard for Rebecca and her family. Her eldest child started school while Rebecca was having the chemotherapy. She has been open and honest with her two children and, despite often feeling tired and sick, she has tried to lead as normal a life as she can. She also writes a blog about her experience of being a young disabled mum living with cancer: https://theseboobsweremadefortalking.co.uk/
Rebecca was told about the services of Helen Rollason by a friend who works in one of the charity’s shops. She now goes to the coffee mornings where she meets and talks to other people living with cancer, and she has found the reflexology sessions particularly beneficial.
In Rebecca’s words:
“The environment at Helen Rollason’s Harlow centre is so welcoming and relaxing, and the staff are wonderful. With tea and biscuits, soft music and the lovely surroundings, it is like walking into a spa. The reflexology staff are very professional and understand my needs. I sometimes walk in feeling very emotional and stressed but always come out feeling relaxed”.
She is full of praise for the charity. As well as using the services of the Harlow centre, she has supported the charity by taking her family to fundraising events. Even though they did not participate in the Rural Ramble, they went along and enjoyed the cream tea, and the children loved running around the gardens of Easton Lodge. Her husband always buys the charity’s raffle tickets but has yet to win a prize!
