Drink to Macmillan nurses – ‘my rock’

Sep 23 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A CARE worker who was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured months of treatment and surgery has described how she was helped by Macmillan cancer care specialists.

Debbie Brown, of Upton, Wirral, first visited her GP after finding a lump in her breast, but a biopsy and ultrasound initially failed to detect cancer.

But, after her breast became inflamed, Debbie was sent for a further ultrasound and a deep core biopsy – and she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, 2007.

After the diagnosis, Debbie started six months of chemotherapy, in March, 2007, had a mastectomy the following August, followed by radiotherapy.

The 31-year-old is now on the drugs Herceptin and Tamoxifen and is doing well, despite a return of the cancer to her neck recently, which has meant more radiotherapy.

Debbie said: “When I was diagnosed, I remember thinking ‘Great, this is all I need’.

“I felt like it was a major hassle and wasn’t really hysterical or anything. I’d just bought a house I was doing up to let, and I was about to start a new job as a care assistant.

“It couldn’t have happened at a worse time. The hardest bit was telling my dad, but he’s been brilliant. I live with him, he helped me do up the house so I could pay the mortgage, he’s been a rock.

“But the other great support has been my Macmillan breastcare nurse Christine Taverner. She is amazing, an absolutely fantastic woman who has been a strong shoulder for me throughout my illness.

“If I needed someone to talk to Chris was always there, if I wanted to ask questions or needed reassuring she was there.

“She also arranged for me to visit the Holistic Centre, in Claughton Village, which has been such a benefit. I’ve been there for relaxation and breathing classes. It really helps with coping with the stress and I wouldn’t have even thought of it if Chris hadn’t brought it up.”

Macmillan even helped her with financial support when she found it difficult to work. Debbie said: “Chris also arranged for a £300 Macmillan Grant for me.

“Things were so tight financially as I couldn’t work and wasn’t entitled to much. I needed the money to renew my car insurance and it was such a relief when it came through after only a couple of days.

“Without Macmillan Cancer Support, I wouldn’t have had quality of care I received, it made all the difference to me and my family.”

She is now urging people to support the Macmillan coffee morning fundraising event. She said: “I really hope that local people will get together and do their bit to support the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 2008 and hold a Coffee morning on Friday, September 26, or a day that suits them to raise money for what I promise is a fantastic cause and service.”

Aimee Scally, fundraising manager for Wirral, said: “It is easy to take part, simply register, decide on a suitable location – at the office, at home, at school, anywhere you like – and invite work mates, friends, and family to make a donation in exchange for the coffee they drink and the treats they eat.”

GO TO www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee, or call 0845 602 1246 to register for the event.

liammurphy