Member's Experience - Janet Lavin
I was diagnosed in March 5th 2007 with HER2 breast cancer. I needed a mastectomy, chemo and 18 treatments of herceptin. I was alone when I was told I had the cancer: I thought well here we go, now I can do two things I can cry and go into myself or I can get out there and fight thisbloody thing so out there I went and found Cherry Lodge I heard about it from a neighbour who had breast cancer. I met Fiona a week after my surgery and then joined the tuesday dropin, I came every Tuesday without fail I never missed a week I felt sick and tired but still I came to get my acupuncture this was a great help with the chemo sickness and the low white blood count which had me in hospital for a weekend. I didn’t mind the rest and the view from the Whittington hospital was wonderful over the London eye, and I also saw a firework display from my window. During my chemo treatment I met other women going through treatments nd we exchanged notes on what was on offer out there for people with cancer.
My time at Cherry Lodge has been inspirational I have met some fantastic people there. I have made great friends with a special group: we go out for lunches and dinners celebrating each other’s birthdays, it was on my 50th that I held a big party dyed my little bit of hair pink and asked for no presents just to have money donated to Cherry Lodge and Breast Cancer Care. I have a page on the JustGiving.com website for Cherry Lodge.
To aid my recovery I also went to the Royal Free Cancerkin Centre where I joined in the Look Good, Feel Good afternoon. The art therapy course was brilliant. I painted a water colour which has been used by the Whittington hospital’s Psychology department. they also give talks on psychology and oncology treatments. I gave them permission to use my name as this makes it seem more real for others. It can be viewed on the Pink Wishes site: it means a lot to me and has also helped other women going through their chemo.
When the chemo finished 3 of us went for afternoon tea at harrods (picture on the Pink Wishes site)!
I held a Pink Pamper day at my house for 9 women from Cherry Lodge organised by Lyn Culver from the Pink Wishes site. We have been to other pamper days with Pink Wishes.
Febuary 2009
I won the Woman’s own 'Make a Difference Award'. I was chosen by Trisha Goddard, she chose the charity I work for: the Camden Society for People with Learning Difficulties: this was also of special interest to her as she supports mind. I won £2,000 which helped to convert a garage space for wheelchair users in Brightlingsea Essex.
I also had a makeover that day and did not recognise myself. I have to say Cherry Lodge is a major part of my life now. Without Cherry Lodge I would not have got through this cancer. The volunteers offering treatments, the wonderful staff and of course the people using Cherry Lodge, old and new.
The treatments given, the continued support, the laughter and of course the tears when someone you have met has gone. I would not have changed anything because if I had not had cancer I would not have met any of you. Special thanks go to Stephanie and Mantee who were so good to me when I was going through my treatments.
Janet
