Tish explains why she is supporting the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre

Not long after I celebrated my 46th birthday in June 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I felt traumatized, in shock and I was very scared. 

I had a single mastectomy and a second operation for lymph node removal at Hillingdon hospital. I felt very low and almost in a state of grief.  Hillingdon Hospital advised me to contact Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre (LJMC) but I was resistant as I felt I had enough support from family and friends.

Eventually I did go to LJMC but I sat outside on the bench, too scared to go inside. A beautiful lady from the centre saw me and came outside and offered me a cup of tea. She was so gentle and caring and I will never forget that cup of tea. It put me on the pathway to my healing journey.

"When I got inside, I was surrounded by so much care and understanding, it felt like I was receiving hugs."

When I got inside, I was surrounded by so much care and understanding, it felt like I was receiving hugs. They provide all the information to help ease your worries and fears, and give emotional support and helpful advice.  I realised I was carrying fears that I could not share with anyone else. 

I have to admit that it was daunting to see other ladies wearing scarfs and hats due to hair loss. I did not want that to be me, but seeing them smiling and understanding my fears made it so much easier. 

"It was also great to be part of a group on similar journeys."

It was recommended that I attend relaxation classes. The teacher is so informative and helps calm your anxieties. She gives you strength to face your fears. She is firm and gentle and she gets your energy flowing through breath-work, taking you around the world on her adventurous colourful relaxations. It was also great to be part of a group on similar journeys. 

When I started chemotherapy, I had sickness and constant fatigue so I was offered Reiki healing.  It gave me so much warmth from her hands. I felt the rays of sunshine lift me. The sessions were very calming and I was given tips for a better sleep. 

At a time when you are not feeling womanly or yourself the ‘Feel Good Feel Better’ workshop at LJMC is a treat. The beauty volunteers are fabulous and made me feel good and safe. It was lovely to be surrounded by other women trying out make-up, drawing on eye brows and pampering ourselves. I had again been reluctant to join the workshop but I’m so glad I did. 

Unfortunately, whilst having chemotherapy and radiotherapy lockdown was forced upon us. I was unable to attend LJMC and I started to feel isolated. I was experiencing constant fatigue, aches and pains due to medication, and also recurring fears and a feeling of grief. 

"She has taught me so much and has steered me in the right direction on my healing journey."

The complementary therapy co-ordinator from LJMC contacted me and that completely changed my life. She checked in with me every few weeks by phone or video link. She has taught me so much and has steered me in the right direction on my healing journey.  

She has helped with my feelings of grief and the acceptance of no longer having fertility, which is difficult when it is forced upon you. Through beautiful calm meditations, she helped me place my hand on my scars and allowed me to cry, to accept, to get to know and love my scars. Meditation is now part of my daily routine. 

She showed me pressure points to work on for energy; she provided me with worksheets, pointed me to information online and shared her own extensive knowledge and experience with me. She showed me yoga poses for grounding and Qigong for energy flow and to help with sleep.

I have been surrounded by the most inspirational women at LJMC and I will always be truly grateful for all the knowledge, kindness, care and strength they have given to me over the last few years. I know I can contact them at any time for anything. They are wonderful. 

I hope you will join me in supporting the LJMC to enable them to continue to help others.  LJMC is not a clinical environment, it gives you comfort, a sanctuary, a safe space in a time of the uncertainty. The special team of people there are truly dedicated to helping and encouraging you to help you through a very vulnerable time.