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My story - Liz Jordan The Cancer Help Centre in Purley became a vital part of my life in September 2004, It’s a rather scary and confusing time when you have had major surgery and are being asked to make choices about chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Like most people, I didn’t know much about types of cancer or the effects of treatment and was trying to make sense of a host of information and options. I wandered into the Centre on a Tuesday evening and was met by a smiling and welcoming Kathleen. She outlined for me the membership arrangements and gave me an outline of all the therapies and group sessions available. The library was comfortable and stocked with a host of publications I could dip into. Although personally I found that I stayed more positive if I didn’t read too much, I did learn more about my particular cancer, some useful information on nutrition and on practicalities such as where to buy a wig or order a turban. The Centre organised a six week group session for people at different stages of treatment. This was hugely valuable – I could talk direct to people who had had chemotherapy or radiotherapy, some who had had a recurrence and others who had not but were still needing a bit of support in keeping a positive outlook. There were weekly sessions on topics such as relaxation and diet, and time for us just to chat and compare notes. It was here I made one friend who was a few weeks “ahead” of me and we have continued to be a support to each other. The team at the Centre made each session relaxed. They were honest in their comments and encouraging in practical advice. I remember they even bought some soya milk on one day when we decided that was a cure-all! Throughout a long 6 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy I was fortunate to have counselling sessions at the Centre with Melanie. I remember saying at our first meeting that I wanted someone I could be completely honest with and not feel I had to put a brave face on for. We’ve had some laughter and tears and throughout I have been encouraged to deal positively with issues that concerned me. Looking back I have to say that these sessions have had benefits far wider than my dealing with my cancer. I have also benefited hugely from regular reflexology sessions and healing sessions at Purley. I believe that these have helped in maintaining my immune system and in reducing the physical effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as helping my body to repair. When you are dealing with cancer you are to a large extent in the hands of the medical profession and there are no guarantees that you can be completely healed. For me it was important to feel I was actually doing something to assist my own recovery and to keep myself healthy for the future. It was with that in mind that I later asked if I could have some hypnotherapy. This assists in maintaining a positive outlook and in feeling that you can have control over what happens in your own body. This was timed to coincide with the end of my treatment which was ideal as many people reach a “dip”when medical treatment finishes and they are left on their own again. I could have joined group sessions in subjects such as art therapy, drama or yoga and I know many people have found those sessions suit them particularly well. The team at Purley are so friendly and encouraging. During treatment I chose to have two different wigs which were completely different to my own hair. It seemed to me that each time I arrived, one of the team would boost my morale with a bubbly comment about how I looked – very important when you also have no eyelashes and have pencilled in your eyebrows! A month ago I completed my medical treatment and with the help of the Purley Centre I now feel able to take myself forward again. I’ve lost count of the number of people who have commented on my positive and optimistic outlook throughout this episode in my life. I know that it is certainly not all down to me – the team at Purley have been a focal point in my life and supported me practically and emotionally during this journey. The work done by the team at Cancer Help is vital and I would like to thank every one of them for helping me through so that I can now face the future with confidence. I believe that if everyone had the services of a Centre like Purley, we would see greater success rates in the treatment of cancer patients. Liz Jordan June 2005
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just after an operation for breast cancer. The local McMillan nurse recommended the Centre as being “a really positive place with lovely people” – and how right she was!