Story
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The 16th January 2024 was the day my Consultant told me I had grade 3 hormone positive Breast Cancer, I dont recall much else from that day, I cant recall any other information told to me. I had known that the lump I'd found Christmas Eve wasnt normal and that the tests id had the week before indicated they thought it was something but hearing the words was overwhelming, i had just turned 50 three months before so had been called up for a mammogram which i had attended 7 months before, that was clear. The 3 weeks that followed were awful more tests, appointments in preparation for surgery and then hearing the results again, I had 4 tumours. Next came surgery on the 6th February and after a couple of weeks more results which again sent me into a spin, I felt lucky that I didnt need more surgery but did need chemotherapy as the cancer was in a lymph node. I had hoped that surgery and radiotherapy would be my pathway but it wasnt to be. After surgery I returned to work until I began chemotherapy, I was lucky in that I could work from home once the treatment started, work had kept me grounded and had given me a distraction from everything else. The days that followed my second round of chemotherapy were the worst, physically I felt awful but mentally I was really struggling, i had very supportive friends and family but as awful as it sounds I felt very alone, I knew I couldnt continue to work. I called my allocated Breast Care Nurse and couldnt stop crying, she directed me to Bury Cancer Support Centre. Im lucky to live close to the centre so made the decision to go instead of phoning as I didnt feel able to speak to a stranger on the phone. I knocked on the door which was answered, I stood there crying, not able to speak. I was brought inside and taken to a private room where the manager of the centre Jan came and sat with me for at least an hour, she made me a brew, listened to me and handed me several tissues. She then offered me the support of the centre, all I had to do was register which I did a few days later and I was offered a personalised plan to support me for as long as I needed it, I was given a counsellor, I attended gentle yoga, Relaxation and had reflexology. I got to meet others accessing the Centre, the amazing staff and volunteers, eat the fantastic homemade food in the cafe and all of this in a homely environment. When I returned to work a year after my diagnosis I felt like I needed to get back to normal, put it behind me and move on. How wrong was I, Id stopped going to the Centre for a few months, until I realised that mentally I was still struggling, my normal was not what it was so again I found myself crying and knocking on the door again and again their reaction was the same. Im now 2 years past diagnosis and still access the Centre.
Bury Cancer Support Centre has given me so much, what ive written here doesnt really scratch the surface so now id like to give them something back. I initially thought id do the Morecambe Bay Walk with some family and friends and hopefully raise some money and the profile of the centre, this small idea has snowballed into an event. I spoke with James Frith MP for Bury North at the support centres christmas party, he has supported the centre for a years and agreed to do the walk with me, I have secured 100 spaces with Cross Bay Walk SGL who are hosting the walk to raise money for their charity.
I am hoping that we will raise the profile of the centre as it is an independent self funding charity who not only helped me but offer that personalised support to anyone affected by a diagnosis of cancer including carers & those bereaved by cancer. Their experienced team offers practical, psychological and emotional support in a welcoming environment. The Centre offers a drop in service, a range of Complementary Therapies and Counselling Services, Sound Baths, Relaxation, Wellbeing Workshops & a monthly Bereavement Group.
If you've read this far I hope you will support me by either sponsoring the walkers, there is only this page which is linked to the Centre's fundraising appeal as I dont want people to feel they have to raise money or by signing up to walk yourself, and lastly sharing this page far and wide so we can raise the profile of the centre so all those affected by cancer can access the support I have been lucky to receive in the future.
This link will take you to the booking page and also gives information regarding the walk organisers.