CANCER diagnosis is terrifying. It’s terrifying for the person concerned, their family and friends. People who have been told they have cancer feel their world crashing down around them, leaving them feeling helpless and asking, why me?
Marie Curie is one of the many cancer charities that helps provide light in the darkness and in addition to its Hospice in Belfast, it provides a number of satellite day clinics, one of which is based at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.
The clinic runs every Thursday between 10.30am and 3.30pm and is staffed by a range of cancer care professionals including a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapists, social worker, complementary therapist and health care assistant. Local volunteers also donate their time to make tea and coffee or drive people to and from the clinic.
The service has been available in Downpatrick for 15 years and one man who currently uses it is encouraging people across the district to have themselves referred to avail of the help which is at hand.
Francis Nelson from Killyleagh admits he was in a “bad place” when his lung cancer diagnosis was confirmed at the beginning of February last year and he struggled to come to terms with the devastating news which has visited countless local families.
The former merchant seaman said
he was in tears the first time he visited the clinic at the Downe, but admits his journey with staff and other cancer sufferers since then has been a positive one.
“You are with people in a similar situation,” explained Francis. “We all have a story to tell and there is no one knows how you feel except yourself. But when you come in and talk to the staff and other patients there is more understanding and you do not have to burden your family and other people with your feelings. I get so much out of coming here every week.”
Francis said he can talk freely if he wants to or just sit and listen to other people recounting their experiences in the wake of their diagnosis.
“The staff here are truly wonderful. I was at a very low ebb when I first came here over a year ago. I was undergoing chemotherapy and there wasn’t a single hair on my body because of the treatment,” he continued.
“I was at the ‘why me?’ stage. While I came here with tears in my eyes, this place has given me such a boost. The staff and other patients helped me realise that life still goes on. Life is too short to be wasted, you live until your time is up and want to make the most of it.
“I come every Thursday and it really helps me. I would encourage other people who have been diagnosed with cancer to have themselves referred here by their GP or oncologist.”
Sixteen months after his diagnosis, Francis admits he feels well and gets a lot out of sharing his experiences with other patients and listening to their personal stories. He said it helps being with people in a similar situation.
“There is a close bond between the Marie Curie staff and the patients and I benefit from listening to other people’s views and thoughts. If there is someone out there who does not know about the service I would very much encourage them to take steps to ensure they are referred.
“The staff and patients are all one big family; we all care so much for each other. The staff are so supportive and know what we are going through. They are so caring and understanding. There are so many different types of cancer out there, but this day clinic really helps,” said Francis.
The Killyleagh man said his attendance at the weekly clinic makes him feel “comfortable” and has really helped boost his confidence.
“I am in a much better place now than I was a year ago. My treatment is ongoing and my next scan is in July. If I had not come here I fear that depression would have set in which would drag me and my family down. That is something I didn’t want to happen.
“When you attend the clinic you quickly realise you are not alone in this world. Yes, your world caves in when you are given your diagnosis which is devastating, but you soon discover there is so much help and support out there.”
Describing the atmosphere in the clinic as “relaxed,” Francis said he cannot thank the staff enough for what they have done for him since he walked through the door.
He added: “There are no secrets with cancer. I have come a long way over the past year and would encourage people to make use of this service; it can help in so many ways. I wake up every day and count myself lucky and that’s the way I want to continue to be with the help of the wonderful Marie Curie staff.”