When recovery is a struggle
Kate was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer at the age of 39. Following surgery and six months of chemotherapy, she was signed off from oncology with a follow-up plan that included yearly CT scans and blood tests to monitor any recurrence.
“I really struggled when I finished treatment – I didn’t feel any joy or relief. Having endured a whirlwind year of major surgery, hospital appointments, weekly blood tests and chemotherapy, I was still in survival mode.
Kate found herself existing in survival mode even when treatment had finished
Chemo side effects can be tough
“I felt utterly lost, alone and unsure of what my life was going to look like post treatment. I was still suffering side effects from my treatment (brain fog, neuropathy, bad skin and lack of energy) and didn’t know whether they were temporary or permanent.
“None of my friends had been through anything similar and some had even disappeared following my diagnosis. I felt guilty about what I’d put my family through and I was mourning the life I had before cancer, which I would never have again.
Kate suffered badly from the side effects of chemotherapy, including brain fog, neuropathy, bad skin and lack of energy
Cancer Coach offered a safe space to forward plan
“Then I found Cancer Coach. Having requested to join this six-week peer support group programme, I was matched with a small group of women and our Cancer Coach, Julie, for the online sessions.
“Prior to starting, we were sent a workbook with room to write our questions and reflections during the sessions. Each week we focused on a different topic. Cancer Coach gave us a safe space to openly express our feelings, share our fears and plan for our ‘new normal’.
“We all agreed how invaluable the support was, and when the sessions finished, we decided to set up a WhatsApp group called Boobs and Bums, which we still use to keep in touch.
Peer support can be invaluable
“When I was having some ‘scanxiety’ on the lead up to my last CT scan, I reached out to the group for some advice and reassurance. It’s great that we still have this support network, even though we are now three years post treatment.
“I’ve been involved in some focus groups for Cancer Coach recently, to discuss how family, friends and workplaces with colleagues returning to work post treatment can receive better support. I am really keen that more people get access to emotional support, as it has been so important to my recovery.”
Kate doing the Shine Night charity walk
Creating kinder cancer care
Every cancer story shared has the power to help someone feel less alone, spark understanding, or inspire kinder, more compassionate care.
If this story moved you, please consider sharing it – you never know who might need these words today. If you have been affected by cancer yourself, we would also love to hear your story. Every voice matters.
If you or someone you care about is going through treatment, you can order a free Cancer Kit for practical support and reassurance. You can also find connection through our free Cancer Coach services, all designed and delivered by people with lived experience of cancer.
And because cancer doesn’t stop at the workplace, we also deliver Workplace Cancer Support Training to help organisations build confidence, compassion and practical skills to support colleagues and have more sensitive conversations with customers and clients.
