Lynne's Story
When we first met Lynne to speak to her about sharing her story, it was the first day of a new month. This meant she’d just posted a reminder on her Facebook page to tell her friends to check their breasts. Something she’s started doing since her diagnosis of breast cancer in November 2023.
Lynne shared with us: “My breast cancer wasn’t the typical lumps and bumps that people often expect. It was far more subtle. A ‘dimpling’ followed by a feeling of change. It’s so important to check yourself and be aware of changes. And not just lumps – I never felt a lump, and my nurses and doctors couldn’t either!”
“Once it was discovered, my treatment was fast, which is what you would want it to be. I had a double mastectomy and lymph node clearance followed by chemo. I feel blessed to have the wonderful NHS that we have. I found very quickly that my recovery wasn’t just physical, but also my mental and emotional wellbeing needed to be considered. The team at Macmillan helped with support like getting a wig, welfare rights and finances. I was able to access some alternative therapies, though the sessions were limited to just three. I knew I needed more support for my wellbeing. I’d looked at massage therapy locally and everywhere said they weren’t cancer trained. It was Joining The Dots who put me in touch with St Cuthbert’s, in fact they did the referral to The Living Well Centre for me and the next thing I knew I had a phone call and an invite to come in. The massages I’ve had with Julie have been a fantastic experience and helped me to relax.”
Lynne has two children, age 17 and 19. “Having older teenagers is good in some ways and not in others. When they’re older, they worry more. You’re unable to shelter them as much. They can Google things. They don’t have the life experience to know that even when things are tough you can get through them. I did have to explain openly about me coming to the Hospice and it not just being a place for people to go to die, or that you only go when you are very unwell. I was surprised myself, finding out that it was somewhere for people like me.”
“I have a choice about how I respond to this cancer. I can choose to be bitter and angry and sink under the weight of this. Or, that life is full of ups and downs, it is a rollercoaster and we all have things thrown at us. I can choose to react with grace and positivity. It’s important for me to show my children, not just to talk to them about, how we deal with life’s challenges. To show them that we do have a choice and we can choose to smile and find the light and joy. Seek out laughter in a horrible situation. We can find the good parts. It’s important to me, for my wellness to be as positive as possible. I’ve been dealt this horrible hand, but I feel so supported on this journey not just by friends and family and people who love me, but by organisations such as St Cuthbert’s.”
“From the first moment that I walked in it just hit me how much of a relaxing and welcoming environment it is. It doesn’t feel like a sad place. It feels alive. A happy, calm place. I thought it would feel more like a hospital. I expected everyone to be talking in whispers and it’s not like that at all. You can come and have fun and smile. It’s not doom and gloom.”
“I love the title ‘Living Well’, it’s about living. Even if your diagnosis is terminal, it’s about living. I’ve got primary breast cancer and I fully intend to do everything I can to rid my body of cancer. The NHS are doing all they can with the different treatments I’ve had, and am still having, so I can live the rest of my life well. It’s been surprising for me to learn that you can live well with a serious health condition and make the most of everything. There are so many inspirational stories out there of people living with long-term health conditions and a place like St Cuthbert’s Hospice helps you to live.”
“I knew I wanted to keep coming back, and at some point to give something back as well. I know if people hadn’t donated, volunteered or supported in some way that this care wouldn’t be available to me. If I can help people to see what St Cuthbert’s Hospice does and help people to access the care on offer, then that’s brilliant. To also help to fundraise to help someone else would be wonderful too. Once my support needs aren’t so high, I want to do something to keep coming and volunteer to be involved because it’s such a lovely place.”
The Living Well Centre
We welcome guests to attend at all stages of their illness; when newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with symptoms of their illness and when requiring specialist care and advice.
