My Story

Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer knocked me off my feet and turned not just my life upside down, but those of my family's as well.

We had got through my primary breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 and, given that my mother had battled cancer for 20 plus years, I was not particularly worried about my future.

Little did I know that my backache during the Covid pandemic was the start of something more serious and in 2021 the now crippling pain in my back turned out to be a pathological fracture of my spine caused by my breast cancer spreading.

Telling the children was the hardest thing we've ever had to do and there were tears a plenty. After the mammoth operation on my back, it was a roller coaster of appointments. Phil and I just existed day to day and we didn't have time, or want to think about what the future held for us. But once eveything settled down it was time to try to pick up our lives and that's where the Macmillan Centre at East Surrey Hospital came to our aid.

Phil and I both received counselling there which progressed to Life Coaching and also for me Yoga, Reiki and Reflexology. The staff and volunteers at the Macmillan Centre have been so friendly and supportive and have helped to pick me up and put me back together.

I have found lovely new friends in the Support Group there, which is run by the amazing nurses Beki and Liz; and the wonderful caring staff of East Surrey's Chemo Suite have become my second family.

Nothing is too much trouble for anyone and I'd like to thank each and every one of them for getting me through the past 3 years.

I count myself very fortunate, therefore, to be able to celebrate my 25th Wedding Anniversary this year. I'm not sure how many more milestones I'll make so this one is very important to us.

What Phil and I need is the presence of family and friends around us to help us enjoy our special day - to have lots of fun and laughter, whilst dancing, and to make loads of everlasting memories. 

So if you were thinking of giving us a gift, please don't!

Instead, please make a donation to the SASH Charity Cancer Fund so that more people, who are struggling with living with cancer, can continue to receive the help that they need and hopefully make their own precious memories and milestones.

With much love and thanks,

Michelle & Phil