Kathryn's story

In January 2019, I started with a very troublesome cough, so bad it paralyzed my vocal cords. My GP tried me on several antibiotics, which were no help. In about July I had an Xray, which showed further investigation was needed. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in my lungs. I was really surprised, as I had been successfully treated for breast cancer in 1998 and had been clear since. I was offered a very new treatment. I was told it was very aggressive but would hopefully delay the tumours from growing. I could perhaps live another two years! I knew I had to give it a go. 

The first two years on the medication are a bit of a blur! I seemed to get every possible side effect, and that, coupled with the lockdown because of Covid, and then in 2021, the unexpected loss of my husband of almost 50 years, really knocked my confidence and feeling of being ‘me’, despite all the help and support I was getting from my lovely family and friends. 

I visited my aunt, who had a stay in Dove House, and saw the caring, kind treatment she was given, and realised what a lovely place the hospice was. I also found out about the Living Well group and wondered if it would help me. So, I plucked up the courage to apply and was accepted into the group. 

The first time I went, I was very nervous and apprehensive, but I needn’t have worried. The staff were very warm and welcoming. I met the rest of the group, and very quickly felt comfortable and part of the group. I loved the skills and tools we were, week by week, being given under the guidance of the staff. Relaxation, meditation, exercise, and mindfulness through craft. Each session I arrived at Dove House I left feeling better than when I arrived. 

I believe that attending the Live Well group has better equipped me to deal with the more unpleasant side effects of the medication/my condition and has helped build my confidence again. The hospice has helped me become more like ‘me’ again and improved my quality of life. 

To anyone struggling to cope with their condition/medication, I can only say, give the Living Well group a try, I am certain you will benefit from it as much as I have.
 
To find out more about The Living Well Group click here