The news that she had breast cancer came as a complete shock to Nasreen in October 2021, as she had no previous symptoms or lumps to alert her.
“Within a week of having my biopsies, I was told that I had stage 2 breast cancer. While I was still trying to come to terms with the diagnosis, I was given a date for surgery just two weeks later and allocated a breast cancer nurse and a Macmillan nurse. There was an awful lot of information to take in.
“The support I have received from the Macmillan team has been absolutely fantastic. From sorting out my sick notes to telling me about Cancer Support UK and others support groups who I could access.
“When I first received my diagnosis I was absolutely broken and in shock. However, after my operation I thought I’m going to fight this and not let it take over my life.
“I have good and bad days, but I keep telling myself I need to stay positive as this will help with my recovery. My husband, children, family and friends help me by reinforcing positive messages.
“At the moment I’m far from getting the all clear yet, but I’m staying hopeful. I intend to go back to work once I am well enough. I have even started to make a bucket list – having things to look forward to has helped me.
“After my operation I had to have intensive radiotherapy, which was really gruelling, making my skin very sore and itchy. I have been put on hormone therapy treatment, which has many side effects that I have to cope with on a daily basis.
“The thing I found most difficult was attending hospital appointments on my own. Due to Covid, my husband was only allowed to be present at my diagnosis and an appointment to plan my treatment.
“I had to attend all my radiotherapy appointments on my own, which my family and I found really upsetting as they wanted to be there to support me. On top of the cancer, I also have a few health conditions, which are really debilitating and the cancer treatment has been affecting these.
The Comfort Kit has made my cancer journey more bearable
“I just wanted to say how wonderful the Comfort Kit is. It has made my cancer journey a little more bearable. I’m thankful to my Macmillan nurse who told me about it.
“I absolutely love everything in the Comfort Kit, but my favourite item is the microwavable hot water bottle and the heat pack. It comforts you like a big hug when you aren’t feeling well.
“I recently started a rehabilitation group to help with gentle exercise to try and get full use out of my operated side and to regain my strength.
“My immediate family, my friends and my work family have all been amazing. I feel truly blessed to have so many special people in my life, as they have helped make my cancer journey a little more tolerable.”
Will you help us fill a Cancer Kit – and deliver a smile?
This year, far too many older people like Nasreen will spend Christmas in hospital being treated for cancer. This Christmas, you can bring a little comfort and a little joy to someone like Nasreen by helping to fill one of our special Comfort Kits. Each kit contains lovely cosy socks, a magnifying glass to make reading easier, a hot water bottle – and lots of other useful items to make cancer treatment more bearable. So will you help make this Christmas less lonely for someone who might be alone and facing cancer treatment? Please help us by donating today – thank you.
