Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of last year, for the second time. The first involved a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, but the second time I had to undergo surgery for a single mastectomy and led to a difficult and protracted recovery. During this time and with amazing support from family and friends, I found a strength and determination to not only overcome this and realise some ambitions of my own, but try and find a way to help others in the same situation.
As a result, I am researching a book, where I hope to collate other people’s achievements and successes after their treatment and how it is possible to realise, long held or new ambitions that you may never have done before. your diagnosis.
I would like to ask if anyone would like to share these experiences, or maybe lighter moments that I could use in the book. I will also like to include helpful tips, motivational quotes and useful information.
This will be quite a long term project but ultimately I would love to produce something which offers hope, inspiration and encouragement to people like us, who are perhaps at the beginning of their journey.
If you have positive experiences that you would be happy to share and would be interested in getting involved, please message me for more information.
Hello, what a wonderful idea, Jill. I think a book like this could bring so much hope to people who are at the beginning of their cancer journey.
Cancer changed the direction of my life in ways I never expected. After many years in a demanding corporate career, I retrained as a psychotherapist. I had to pause my training while I went through treatment, but if anything, it strengthened my conviction to pivot and that this was the path I was meant to take now.
Today I specialise in supporting people through the emotional and psychological aftermath of cancer, medical trauma, burnout and the identity shifts that can follow a life-changing diagnosis.
I find it so rewarding to walk alongside people who are trying to make sense of everything they’ve been through and to gently rediscover who they are beyond cancer. Some days can be difficult, but I feel very privileged to do that work.
None of us would ever choose this experience, but I do believe something meaningful can grow from it. Thank you for creating a space where those stories can be shared.
I’ll send you a message separately, as I’d be happy to contribute.