A breast cancer patient has praised the ‘outstanding’ support given to her by South Bucks Hospice – and has told how surprised she was at the range of services offered by the charity.
Gillian Jack, 57, of High Wycombe, was referred earlier this year to the hospice’s lymphoedema team by the nurses at Wycombe Hospital following a mastectomy. She was suffering from cording in her armpit, a condition which can sometimes happen as a side effect of lymph node removal that causes tightness and pain.
“I had heard of South Bucks Hospice having been a customer in their charity shop in Hazlemere for many years, but didn’t know its location, or the services on offer there” she said. “My only understanding of a hospice was to supervise end-of-life care – I had no idea it also provided support for people through diagnosis and treatment of life changing illnesses.”
Gillian, a wife, mother, and grandmother, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February this year after having found a lump. She then went through various surgical procedures, culminating in a mastectomy and was put on a course of chemotherapy in August. She said the care she has received at the hospice has made an enormous difference to her health and well-being.
She was initially referred by the hospital breast care nurses to Lynn Brooks, Head of Lymphoedema at South Bucks Hospice, to treat the cording in her arm, and initially attended the hospice at the end of August. “When I first arrived at Butterfly House, I received a very warm and friendly welcome from both staff and volunteers and was surprised at there being such a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
“My mastectomy scar was not healing as well as expected. Lynn felt that this was something she could assist in and I’m pleased to say that with her help, my scar has now improved considerably. She also referred me to Chris Beach for physio to help with the cording. Much to my surprise I was informed that he could also offer me acupuncture to help alleviate the side effects from the chemo which have been hard to deal with. These include disturbed sleep patterns, headaches and nausea, all of which have greatly improved.
“I have been amazed at the variety of amenities on offer at Butterfly House which include complementary therapies, counselling, and also a range of activities such as an art group, flower arranging, Tai Chi, and chair yoga (which I currently attend) all of which are a great opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences.”
She added: “Even with the support of my wonderful family and friends, this has been a difficult journey, but one made so much easier by all those involved at Butterfly House. I feel very emotional when I consider the fact that all of these services are provided for free - the generosity of people giving money to South Bucks Hospice allows all this to happen, and it has made such a huge difference to my own outcomes. The service and expertise provided at Butterfly House are outstanding and I am so truly grateful to this amazing team of people who are helping me on the way to my own recovery, both physically and emotionally."
Now Gillian is encouraging others in a similar position to use the free support provided at South Bucks Hospice, which is based at Butterfly House in High Wycombe. She said: “I am taking part in this article to encourage others to support the hospice and gain from the benefits available here which are truly invaluable.”
For more information contact: lymph@sbhospice.org.uk
