Hi I live in Stalbridge, Dorset on the edge of Somerset. I had IDC Triple Negative Cancer in March 2011, lumpectomy, 6 rounds of chemo, 5 weeks of rads. I was also tested by Genetics at Southampton and found to be BRCA 2 positive so in January 2012 I underwent a total hysterectomy and then in October 2012 I underwent a double mastectomy and immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. This was an 11 hour operation and was traumatic to say the least.
As a result of my treatment I have become immuno deficient and am serceptible to infection and that allowed Rheuamtoid Arthritis to take hold of my whole body and also Fibromyalgia. I have found since moving to Stalbridge (I was in Blandford Forum when I had my treatment at Poole Hospital) that there is little to no support or groups available so decided I would set up my own group. SCARS (Stalbridge Cancer and Recovery Support) officially started a little over 3 months ago and is growing in numbers. Although based in Stalbridge the group is open to anyone who has is going through treatment, a survivor, family or friends from any of the surrounding areas. It is a safe, confidential environment to talk amongst fellow survivors and sufferers and to help each other on the road back to some normality. You are so closeted when going through treatment and once it is all over you are left to flounder in what I feel is a very isolated and lonely place and the support of others is vital to you and your experience is vital to others.
SCARS has a FB page that is a closed group that cannot be seen by anyone but members and if anyone would be interested let me know and we can sort that so you can be added to the group and then you are free to talk to members of SCARS and perhaps even consider joining us sometime.
Cancer is a long and hard road but we are not alone and someone is always there to offer a hand to hold when those dark moments come over or when you just need to get something off of your chest.
Good luck one and all xxxx 🙂
