'Life does not end with a diagnosis' says mum with secondary breast cancer after she hails UHDB colleagues running support group 'heroes'
UHDB colleagues who support patients with secondary breast cancer are the latest team to receive a Patient Hero award in recognition of their compassionate care.
The Secondary Breast Cancer Support Group was nominated for a Making a Difference Award by patient Sara, who started using the group following her diagnosis.
Secondary breast cancer is when someone has breast cancer, and it spreads to other parts of the body. It can be treated but there is currently no cure.
The support group was set up by UHDB colleagues Dr Kirsty Williams, Psychologist and Secondary Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists Kelly Langston and Karen Simmonds, who wanted to create a space for people with the disease to safely share their experiences and find comfort that they are not alone and have access to support, resources and information throughout their cancer journey.
The support group meets every other month at Treetops Hospice in Risley, to discuss all aspects of the disease, including treatment, symptoms, side effects, emotional issues and general worries.
Sara, called the group 'life-changing' and said when she was told she had secondary breast cancer, she knew little about it.
Sara said: "I had no family history of the disease and I didn’t know anyone else with secondary breast cancer, so it was really frightening. As a wife of only three years and a mum I had a fantastic support network but I felt incredibly isolated and vulnerable without being able to talk to other people in the same circumstances.
"The group has been a lifeline for me and so many others, helping me feel less alone and more normal in a world where incurable cancer is very much not normal."
Sara, who has been receiving treatment for almost four years said she tries to use her experience to give others 'hope'.
She said: "When you are first diagnosed it feels like you might not have long to live so listening to others can really give you some optimism at a time when things feel very dark. I still have a good quality of life, I work full time, travel often and am still an active wife and mum, I want to show people that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis.
"It is hard to put into words the impact of reducing isolation, sharing information, creating new relationships and giving hope and optimism to people with incurable cancer and their loved ones but the support group does all this and so much more and everyone who attends is incredibly grateful the group exists."
Following Sara's touching nomination, the team were presented with the 'Patient Hero' Making a Difference Award by Debbie Loke, Executive Chief Digital Information Officer, who thanked them for their unwavering compassion which shines through in the care they deliver.
Debbie said: "This dedicated group was set up with patients at the heart of it to provide valuable support to those going through significant changes to their health and their lives.
"Hearing how the team has helped Sara through her diagnosis and the positive support she received from others who have been on a similar journey to her, shows the impact the team make day in, day out for our secondary breast cancer patients.
"I am proud that they are embodying our values of compassion in their daily work and on behalf of our patients, thank you for all you do."
Want to thank a colleague or team that helped you or someone you know receive exceptional care?
If you have had a positive experience with colleagues and teams at one of our hospital's you can help us recognise the brilliant work they do by sharing your story with us. You can nominate a team or colleague by sending a 300-word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net