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Breast cancer - a survivor’s story

Date Posted: Sunday, September 30, 2007
Author: Christen Pears

“Breast cancer is not always a death sentence. You do recover or go into remission,” says Marian Holland, chairperson of the Just Between Us breast cancer support group.

Marian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 at the age of 64 after she found a lump in her breast. She had been for a mammogram a few months previously and was given the all-clear so finding the lump was a surprise.

“I didn’t know a lot about breast cancer. No-one in my family had it but I knew I needed to see a doctor quickly. I had a CAT scan and a bone scan to see if it had spread, and a biopsy. When I found it was cancer I had a mastectomy,” she explains.

“I had two friends who had breast cancer and had mastectomies so I knew there was life afterwards and I had a lot of support from my daughters and family. But what I found really helpful was reading about it so I was informed about everything and attending Just Between Us. Just talking to someone who has been through the same experience makes a huge difference.”

Having a positive mindset was a key factor in her recovery, particularly when she was diagnosed with colon cancer two years later.

“That was harder to recover from but you just have to get on with your life and have a positive attitude that you are going to recover.  It will always be at the back of your mind that the cancer’s going to come back but you can’t let it take over. I’m still here and I think I’m lucky,” she says.

Marian’s case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and she urges other women to be as vigilant by checking their breasts and having regular mammograms. Any irregularities should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Today Marian is in remission and draws on her own battle with breast cancer to help others through Just Between Us. The informal self-help group meets once a month and has around 170 members of all ages. Sometimes there are guest speakers at the meeting but often members simply share their experiences.

“Last month we had a lady come to show us turbans for people who have had chemo and wanted to cover their head. We’ve had an oncologist and a plastic surgeon but what really helps is just talking to someone about what you’re going through. People can be confused or frightened so it’s reassuring to know there’s someone there if you need them.”

Support is also offered by PALS, which provides free of charge care and support to cancer patients for the duration of their disease, and the Reach to Recovery peer support programme, which pairs trained volunteers with breast cancer patients. When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer she often feels overwhelmed and alone, and may find it difficult to understand the huge amount of information presented to her. The volunteers, who are all breast cancer survivors, offer comfort and advice, as well as acting as role models for those who have recently been diagnosed. Sessions may take place in person or over the telephone.

Marian says: “Talking about the issues really helps. We often have people who ring the Reach to Recovery hotline and are very upset but don’t want to talk to their families because they’re embarrassed or don’t want anyone to know. This way, they can talk to someone who has been through the experience and it really helps them know what to expect.”

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month Just Between Us and Reach to Recovery will be holding their annual fashion show and tea on October 21. The event, which will take place at Pembroke Sunday School, will feature breast cancer survivors and their relatives as models.

“It’s a boost to their self-confidence and it’s a wonderful way for them to get out there and show that they’re getting on with life,” says Marian.

Breast cancer treatments are improving all the time, even since Marian was diagnosed in 1994, and the prognosis for those diagnosed with the disease is better than ever. Genetic screening can even help identify those who are at risk before they develop cancer.

“There is still a long way to go but there are advances all the time. Nowadays a lot of people are having lumpectomies and radiation treatment or chemo rather than a mastectomy but it’s still devastating no matter when you’re diagnosed. My advice is to read as much about it as you can to understand what’s happening and what your options are and to be positive. That is what will get you through.”

The Reach to Recovery Support Line can be contacted on 236 4563.

Contact Marian Holland at Just Between Us on 295 3051.

  

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