A breast cancer patient has praised the generosity of people who donate money and time to South Bucks Hospice, saying this has allowed her to have ‘life-changing’ support at the charity.
Chantal Rowland, 55, from West Wycombe, describes the service at the hospice in High Wycombe as ‘absolutely incredible’. And she says it is vital the donations keep coming in to help others in her position.
“It is absolutely imperative to support the hospice because so many of us are touched by cancer at some point in our life whether it’s personal or a family member,” she said.
“Without donations from the public, facilities like South Bucks Hospice will not survive because they get less than 4% Government funding.”
She added: “I am massively grateful that people donate their time and money so generously. Without them, cancer sufferers and their families would not be able to access the support networks and services free of charge. When people are going through cancer, finances can be tight if they are off on long-term sick, so to be able to have access to the hospice facilities is just so important.”
Chantal, who recently retired after 25 years as a Civil Servant, first became aware of symptoms of her cancer in January 2024. She went to the doctor after feeling a tingling and itching sensation in her right breast.
She was diagnosed as having triple negative aggressive ductal carcinoma. Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstruction. She says she is breast cancer free and her last immunotherapy treatment is scheduled for March 6.
“My personal story is such a positive one – I am cancer-free,” she said. “Throughout the whole experience, I have been so fortunate, my partner Kev, my daughter Nicolle, have been incredible as have the multitude of friends and professionals looking after me. I could not have asked for more, the hospice is very much a part of it. This place has been fundamental to getting me and so many people through the dark times. I feel emotional saying this.”
In fact, Chantal has been so impressed by South Bucks Hospice that she wants to return as a volunteer to help the staff when she is no longer a patient. She currently attends the hospice about once a week after being referred there last August. She has benefited from counselling, acupuncture chair yoga, coffee mornings, and other support networks, as well as stress-relieving Indian head massages and flower-arranging classes.
She said: “I think the hospice provides an amazing service. For instance, I attended an end-of-life planning conference, one speaker was a solicitor who spoke about wills and power of attorney, and I was able to meet and talk to people who have been through similar experiences.
“I don’t know where I would have been without South Bucks Hospice, the positivity it has given me, and the genuine care – from the nurses, reception desk staff, counsellors, and the ladies in the café etc, it has literally been life-changing for me.”
Meanwhile, Chantal is also keen to stress the importance of going to your doctor if you feel a lump.
“My message to others is that if you feel a lump, go to your doctor for a referral to the breast unit where you can have a mammogram and ultrasound. My cancers did not show on mammograms even though they were of a size that they 'should' have done. I am a rarity but it happens – if I had gone to the regular clinic, I still might not know a year on I was suffering from cancer, and it might be too late and could have spread.”
Chantal is now looking forward to the future after her final immunotherapy treatment in March, but has vowed to do everything she can to promote South Bucks Hospice in return for the help it has given to her.
She added: “I didn’t really know about South Bucks Hospice until I had my cancer. Statistically 50% of the nation will be impacted by cancer at some point, and this is such an asset in this area and we are so lucky to have it.
“It needs to be shouted from the rooftops because they do such an incredible job of supporting us, mentally and physically.”
To support South Bucks Hospice and help other patients such as Chantal, go to www.sbh.org.uk or contact fundraising@sbhospice.org.uk
