When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my world shifted in an instant. My family and I had just moved into a new house in Brighton, a city that was still unfamiliar to us. What should have been an exciting time of fresh starts quickly became one of fear and uncertainty. I found myself facing one of the most challenging moments of my life in a place where I had yet to find my footing. But in the midst of that storm, I discovered an incredible support network that would become my lifeline.
Macmillan Cancer Support was there for me from the very beginning, stepping in when everything felt overwhelming. In those moments of fear and uncertainty, they became a source of comfort and guidance. My Macmillan nurse was incredible, more than just a medical support, she was a lifeline. She walked me through my diagnosis and treatment, but more importantly, she helped me face one of the hardest parts: telling our three daughters. She introduced me to Fruitfly Collective - which ran the Parenting with Cancer coaching course, which turned out to be exactly what I needed. It gave me the tools to support my family while trying to process my own fears, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.
Breast Cancer Now also played a crucial role in my journey. Their helpline and “Here For You Volunteer” services provided a source of comfort and clarity. I remember the relief I felt speaking with the nurses and volunteers who truly understood what I was going through. Even though my husband, family, and friends were by my side, I often felt isolated in my experience. But Breast Cancer Now’s ‘Someone Like Me’ service changed that. They connected me with a volunteer who had gone through a similar diagnosis and treatment a decade earlier. Her reassurance and wisdom gave me the hope I so desperately needed, showing me that survival was possible and that I wasn’t alone.
Chemotherapy brought its own set of challenges, including extreme fatigue and significant weight loss. Eating became difficult, and I struggled to keep my energy levels up. Thankfully, Macmillan’s ‘Eat Well and Feel Better’ workshop and the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ course at the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton were there to help. These sessions provided practical advice on nutrition and self-care, allowing me to take control of my health in a time when so much felt out of my hands.
Beyond medical care, Macmillan’s holistic support was a game-changer. They introduced me to therapies such as acupuncture, Reiki, and massages, which alleviated some of the physical side effects of treatment. I also found solace in yoga and Pilates sessions, which became small sanctuaries of peace amidst the chaos. These practices not only eased my pain and stiffness but also helped calm the overwhelming anxiety that often crept in.
One of the most unexpected yet profoundly rewarding aspects of my recovery journey was joining Macmillan’s community allotment. Gardening has always been a passion of mine, and tending to the plants became a therapeutic escape. It was there that I met new friends and built a sense of belonging in Brighton, a city that had once felt unfamiliar. Growing and sharing organic produce with fellow patients at the Sussex Cancer Centre’s chemotherapy suite became an act of kindness that brought me immense joy and purpose.
Cancer isn’t just physically exhausting, it’s an emotional whirlwind, too. Macmillan’s counselling services gave me a safe space to unpack all the fear, frustration, and uncertainty that came with my diagnosis. Talking to a therapist helped me process what was happening, making it easier to accept my reality instead of feeling consumed by it. It gave me the strength and clarity to move forward, not just for myself but for my family. With their support, we learned how to face this journey together, finding resilience even in the toughest moments.
When my active treatment ended, I found myself feeling lost, unsure of how to move forward. That’s when I discovered Macmillan’s HOPE Programme, a course designed to support people transitioning from treatment back to everyday life. This programme gave me the tools to adjust to my “new normal,” addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. It reminded me that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that I had the strength to embrace life again.
Future Dreams was another charity that made a difference in my recovery with their online and in-person services, offering me support with lymphoedema exercises and lymphatic drainage massages. These therapies played a vital role in my healing, helping to manage the long-term effects of my treatment and improving my overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Looking back, I can’t imagine facing this journey without the incredible support of these charities. Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, and Future Dreams gave me the strength, knowledge, and comfort I needed to keep going. They turned my fear into hope, my loneliness into connection, and my uncertainty into empowerment. Their impact on my recovery has been immeasurable, and I’ll always be grateful for the lifeline they provided for me and my family.
I know that everyone’s experience with support; whether from charities, community groups, or even just a kind stranger can look different. Did you find support through a charity during your cancer journey? Or did you have to seek help in other ways? I’d love to hear your story, what made a difference for you?
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