I am 76 years of age,was a Professional Nurse myself.
In 1984 was diagnosed with Cervical cancer,undergoing a cone biopsy followed by a total Hysterectomy.
Also a Hemicolectomy during the same period (For an Angioma) 6 months later there followed a lumpectomy op to one breast and 6 weeks aggressive radiotherapy.
On recovery.................... since there were few Cancer related back up services in our County I was instrumental in setting up our first Cancer Support Group.
Today almost every Village or Town has one.
Seeing the great need for improved Services in our area; another recovering cancer lady and I started the long haul in improving cancer services locally,which brought in Mc millen Nurses,Oncologists,a special cancer ward and so forth,now soon a new Cancer Chemotherapy day unit..........
We were also instrumental in bringing our one and only very functional Cancer Centre to the county after many months of hard work,re donations,planning applications....................... having been actually donated a double fronted Victorian Manse standing in its own grounds by a terminally ill lady.................... who believed in our vision and entrusted us to see the project through.
This was an instant success and was able to serve in many areas from Seminars,quiet rooms to read or listen to music (with a well stocked library) various therapies,counselling...........and just generally meeting and chatting in beautifully warm home from home surroundings.
There was a fully fledged industrial Ktchen with dining room plus Take away facitities for the very sick.
Soon after the opening in 1991.................... I was diagnosed with a further breast cancer of the other breast,undergoing a mastectomy.
Since then I have had 3 B.C cancers and half a dozen areas treated for precancer............on going at this present time.
Also I have COPD.......................... not due to smoking but due to the aggressive radiotherapy.
With other serious debilitating health issues other than cancer...................... I have had to slowly withdraw from active service............................. and am now house bound but I have been running Cancer Sites on several forums......................simply offering a shoulder to lean on and an understanding listening ear.
Have only just found your Site and because of its Heading I think perhaps I can be of some value to others; whilst it offers me some sanity in doing what I seem to know best!
