F e a t u r e s Lisa’s Story Lisa’s Story W
arning: People affected by cancer may not wish to read this very
frank, hard hitting and powerful account. Lisa has captured the rawness of her experience for her and her family.
Just over a year ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was 40 years old with three children and working full-time. Life was very busy for me, working, taking care of the children and running the house, just like any other family, no different.
Cancer is a devastating diagnosis Cancer is a devastating diagnosis, not just for the person involved but the whole family and close friends. It leaves you emotionally and physically drained and on top of that the treatments are aggressive and drastic. We have had a lot of support over the last twelve months and offers of
14 Spring 2010
help. Behind the scenes SSAFA have helped put a Preferential Treatment case in place for us and given us advice.
The day it started We spent four hours at the hospital while I had a mammography, ultrasound and finally an exceedingly painful core biopsy where six samples were taken, leaving extensive bruising. At the end of it I was told I had cancer and treatment would commence immediately as the tumour was large and aggressive.
We left feeling numb and not sure how long I had to live. I was given advice and a leaflet on how to talk to my children and I suddenly realised I was about to break their hearts.
My Mum broke the news to them before I returned from the hospital preparing them for my return. Over the next few days my
eldest who was in the middle of her ‘A levels’ wanted to know about everything and seemed to handle it well, but deep down I could see she was scared. My son, who was in the middle of his GCSE’s, became withdrawn and quiet, hiding in his room or going out, doing anything but face me. I could see the distress in his eyes. My younger daughter became angry, shouting at me one minute and watching me like a hawk the next. I would find her in her room crying – she could not understand ‘why her Mum’.
My husband was given compassionate leave and it was suggested to him that he apply for a Preferential Treatment case to be considered. Our SSAFA worker came to see us and told us what was involved and who to talk to. This took the strain off my husband who was worrying about work and how he was going to cope. Within the first month I
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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