Cancer Coach Gave Me the Support I Needed - Lisa’s Cancer Story

“My Cancer Coach group is like a mini family – they completely understand my experience,” says Lisa.

Lisa, a secondary school teacher and careers advisor from Surrey, was 43 when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She joined Cancer Support UK’s Cancer Coach programme in November 2023.

“Cancer Coach is incredible. It helped me feel better about myself.”

A Shocking Diagnosis

Lisa experienced severe abdominal pain, which she attributed to exhaustion. Doctors initially dismissed cancer due to her age. In October 2022, she was in such pain that she ended up in A&E, where tests revealed bowel wall thickening. Despite being sent home, her pain persisted. After further A&E visits, doctors eventually deemed the thickening suspicious.

On 31 October, Lisa was rushed to hospital. A CT scan confirmed cancer, and she was notified via an app—a shocking way to receive such life-changing news. Hours later, she underwent emergency surgery for a right hemicolectomy.

Post-surgery, doctors reassured her they had removed all cancer. “You will live a long life,” they said. But coming to terms with the diagnosis and surgery was overwhelming.

Chemotherapy and Side Effects

A month later, a follow-up revealed stage 3 cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. She started chemotherapy (CAPOX), but her body reacted severely. Switching to FOLFOX, she endured four cycles from January to April 2023.

The side effects were brutal—chemo-induced pleurisy, peripheral neuropathy, and palmar-plantar syndrome where the skin peels off the patient's hands and feet. Lisa lost her hair, developed a wound infection, and experienced extreme sickness. Despite these setbacks, she pushed through, determined to see her youngest at prom and her eldest daughter graduate.

In May 2023, tests showed she was cancer-free. “I cried for a week with relief.” But the emotional toll remained. “Why me? What have I done to deserve this?” she often wondered.

Living with the Aftermath

Lisa’s challenges didn’t end with remission. She still suffers from chemo-induced blood clots, neuropathy, and chronic exhaustion. “People assume you’re back to normal, but my normal will never be the same.”

She battles health anxiety. “Every cough makes me think I have lung cancer.” Friends say she looks amazing, but they don’t see the emotional turmoil—the endless cycle of tests and waiting.

Finding Strength in Cancer Coach

After struggling with early counselling, Lisa found Cancer Coach six months post-remission. “It was the best thing to happen to me.”

Her first session was overwhelming. “We all cried throughout.” But afterward, she felt a weight lift. “I could finally express my emotions to people who truly understood.”

The group formed a deep bond, even creating a WhatsApp group. “My Cancer Coach group is like a mini family to me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now. They helped me process my anger and frustration.”

Cancer Coach provided vital coping tools. “I loved the Worry Tree exercise—it helped me manage my tendency to catastrophize.”

Now, Lisa recommends Cancer Coach to others. “A friend I met through a bowel cancer group said it was the best thing ever.”

Cancer changed Lisa, but Cancer Coach helped her rediscover herself. “I am still me—just with a few adaptations.”