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What about sex?

What about sex?? When you are first diagnosed, often thoughts are all about survival and what on earth it might be like to get through surgery and other treatments. Yes, it’s true that you might think about how you or your partner might react to changes in your body, scars or differences in sensations; but often those thoughts are ‘shelved’ for a bit while the whirlwind of appointments and treatment demands gets going. After cancer treatment, women and men can have concerns about their sexual and intimate lives that, if they are ignored, can become long-term problems. Changes to the way you think about yourself and your body, fatigue, pain, losses or changes in sensation (such as in the skin, nipples, penis), erectile changes, loss…

I’m scared the cancer will come back

I’m scared the cancer will come back When you have been through cancer treatment, it is VERY normal to be worried that the cancer might return. It’s a tricky time as others around you might expect you to feel all relieved and grateful that the treatment is finished and things can go back to “normal” (whatever that is!). Many people don’t feel relieved, they feel exhausted and insecure; with no idea of how life might feel “normal” again. It is common to worry about every ache, pain, rash, headache – you name it, it seems like it’s cancer. Some people go to there even if you logically know it’s daft, that doubt in yourself and your body lurks in your mind. It’s called “fear of…

What do I need to prepare for hospital?

What do I need to prepare for hospital? With so many other things to think about, it can be daunting to decide what you need to get ready for hospital if you are going to have surgery. It’s a good idea to ask the doctor how long you are likely to be in hospital for (depending on the surgery, they can usually give you some idea!). Here’s some things that might be useful in your kit :- Prepare a “Health CV”. What’s that?! It’s a basic summary of your medical history; what you have been treated for in the past, any allergies, medications etc. You will be asked lots of times in the coming months for this type of information and it’s good to have…

How to get a good night’s sleep

How to get a good night’s sleep It can be sooo frustrating when you are tired but just can’t seem to go to sleep. First of all you are seriously not alone! Not that it helps knowing it really. Have a proper talk with your treating team and GP about what can help. They will have other ideas, medicines and problem-solving ideas that can help you. But, until then if you need some practical tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, here’s some ideas. 12 practical tips to help you sleep: Set up a pre-bed routine. Put on PJs, wash, teeth etc and then try to go to bed when you first feel sleepy and are yawning (if this is before 9 you...

20 practical ways to support someone with cancer

Twenty practical things you can do to support someone with cancer. When someone you know and love has been diagnosed with cancer, the first thought is how can I help them? What do they need? Here’s a list of twenty practical ways to support someone with cancer. Let them know you care. Help with errands (dog walking, groomers), house chores or with childcare, play dates and trips to and from school. Make a support team (try lotsahelpinghands.com) who can help with the things your friend needs. If you are close, offer to be the person who manages a group e-mail on what’s happening, field e-mails and so on; it can be overwhelming (especially with so many appointments to get to). Offer to make phone calls if…

Being a mum and having treatment for cancer

Being a mum and having treatment for cancer. If you are having treatment for cancer, Mother’s Day can seem just that bit more meaningful. For some, having been diagnosed with cancer is a pretty new idea to be getting used to. Often, one of the first thoughts that mums have when they are diagnosed is how the whole performance is going to affect the people they love. If they have young children, it can all be about what to say or how to help them understand and cope. And mums don’t stop worrying once the kids get older (even if they are all grown-up!). The “mother-guilt” thing is so easily woven into the job description. Not having the energy to catch up with family, the…

What do I say to someone diagnosed with cancer?

What do I say to someone diagnosed with cancer? WHAT TO SAY “I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care” – There isn’t a perfect thing to say “I’m sorry that you have to go through all this” – is a way of showing empathy not pity “What things need to happen, and how can I help?” – Shows you are on board with the everyday stuff “I heard what is happening and I’ve been wondering how you are” – acknowledge the news if you have ‘heard on the grapevine’ “If you feel like talking about it I am here, anytime” – offer opportunities to talk, be sensitive to cues WHAT TO DO Offer specific things you can do...

Our Story

“Is there anything I can do?” Those few words are genuine and seem easy to say – but so much more difficult to put into action. Although Jemma has since moved on, Treat me Treasure me all started when two women, who had met through their children ten years before, realised they shared a passion about supporting people who are facing an illness. Jacqui’s husband had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and had undergone surgery and radiotherapy. The cancer didn’t read a calendar and decide on the most convenient time to show up – it had all happened when they were juggling family and careers. There was a lot of love from friends and family – and a lot of casseroles. The casseroles and…