How workplace cancer support training and Cancer Coach peer support gave Andy Clarke confidence and coping strategies to move forwards
Like many people diagnosed with cancer, Andy Clarke (58) remembers the exact date he received the bad news.
“My appointment was on 20 April 2011 and the first words spoken to me by my oncologist were: ‘It’s cancer’. I was just 45 years old.
The meeting was over in a matter of minutes, leaving Andy feeling numb and emotionless. His wife Kathy, who came with him, was devastated.
Treatment choice
However, there was relief, too, as the cancer was localised and treatable.
“I was given two treatment options – one was surgery and the other was radiotherapy with hormone therapy. Having spent some time researching, I chose the second option, which I felt would be best for me.
“I didn’t want long term bowel and bladder incontinence, so I went for the less invasive option, but one which would be equally beneficial.
Treatment began immediately with hormone tablets and injections to lower Andy’s testosterone and radiotherapy, which lasted seven and a half weeks.
Side effects, including fatigue
Andy ended up with a urine infection, which couldn’t be treated with antibiotics while he was receiving treatment. It’s had a lasting impact on his choice of diet.
Another side effect was fatigue, which is a feeling of constant exhaustion, burnout or lack of energy.
Despite the fatigue, Andy carried on working, as it provided him with an important distraction from his treatment. “During my treatment I only had about five days off in total, because I couldn’t physically go into work.
“I wanted a sense of normality – otherwise I think I would have gone stir crazy just being at home. The physical act of driving to work and interacting with colleagues really helped me, particularly as my emotions were all over the place.
Coping with post treatment emotions
Dealing with emotions both during and after cancer can be extremely tough, as Andy quickly found out.
“I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. One moment I was up here, saying yes, I’m going to beat this. At other times I felt really low and couldn’t help thinking the worst, especially when I was feeling fatigued.
“You do ask yourself ‘why me?’ and ‘am I going to die?
Andy’s two sons were eight and 12 respectively when he was diagnosed. They both knew that cancer can be a terminal illness and asked him frankly if he was going to die. However, the fact that their grandfather (Andy’s dad) was successfully treated for prostate cancer, gave them a positive example of how there is life after cancer.
Talking about cancer
Andy and Kathy didn’t find it easy to talk to each other about his cancer. “Kathy was telling me what she thought I wanted to hear and I didn’t want to burden Kathy with how I was feeling. In the end we both found it easier talking to other people about our feelings and our fears. Kathy chose to speak to family members, whereas I latched on to a work colleague for support.
“I also find volunteering very therapeutic,” says Andy who is a volunteer for Prostate Cancer UK. “It helps me mentally. My own diagnosis isn’t talked about at home, so raising awareness allows me to talk about it. Plus if I can help just one person that way, then that helps my mental health, too.”
“The Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Training was inspirational”
It was through Prostate Cancer UK that Andy learnt about Cancer Support UK and its work to help people affected by cancer, as well as the pioneering workplace cancer support training it has developed.
“I thought Cancer Support UK’s Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador training was inspirational. I knew of nothing like it. I wanted to ensure that people in the Civil Service (where I work) were aware of the specific help, which is available from the outset.”
Following completion of the Ambassador course, Andy is now an accredited Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador. He finds the training invaluable.
“The Ambassador training helps me to ask more empathetic questions and to signpost people to other organisations. It also helps me to provide a better customer service at work. People are aware of my ambassador status and come to me for advice.”
Cancer Coach gave Andy comfort and coping skills
Andy has also benefited from Cancer Support UK’s Cancer Coach peer support group programme, which helps people who have completed cancer treatment come to terms with their emotions and move forwards with their lives.
“I’m quite insular about my cancer still, so I found it very therapeutic talking about my experiences within a small group. It was comforting to hear other people’s stories and how they coped with their cancer.
“Post cancer, I would say a better me has emerged. I’m more communicative and I’m more driven than previously. I’m definitely more confident.
While you are here, why not check your emotional wellbeing with our Cancer Compass checker. In just a few seconds discover the practical and emotional support we provide. Click here to find out which area of support might be right for you or someone you know.
“Peer support is like having an arm around you…”
“Sometimes you can get caught up in your diagnosis, so the peer support is like having an arm around you. To be with others who’ve had similar experiences helps you feel less afraid and more whole as a person. You get to know everyone in the group as a person, not just a cancer patient.
“The value I gained from meeting with six people who all have the same worries and fears as you is huge. It gave me back the feeling of security that I had with my medical team.
“Cancer Coach gives you skills that help you take control of your life and I would recommend it to anyone whose lives have been touched by cancer.
“Both Cancer Coach and the Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador training dovetail together very well to give an overall appreciation of the benefits of peer support, as well as coping strategies that I can use in my workplace cancer support role.”
About Cancer Support UK’s workplace cancer support training
Around 890,000 people of working age are currently living with cancer in the UK, and some 700,000 people are juggling work and caring for someone with it. Employers play a vital role in helping those who are directly or indirectly affected by cancer. Research by Macmillan Cancer Support suggests line managers are not receiving the training they need: 87% say they haven’t been given any training on how to support people with long-term conditions, including cancer. Cancer Support UK is helping to bridge the gap by offering training to employees who want to be able to have supportive conversations with colleagues. We offer a range of programmes, including the Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador training, which is designed to give employees strategies and confidence when it comes to having discussions about cancer. To arrange an appointment to discuss your needs, please email: training@cancersupportuk.org or visit our workplace cancer support training page to see our full range of workplace cancer support training programmes.