Ruth, Cancer Help Programme

“Listen Ruthie, believe me right, you’re gonna be ok……” Stevie Chan April 2008

This is what I heard over the phone just a few days after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now I’m sure that those of you reading this that have either been diagnosed with cancer or that have loved ones delivered the same terrifying news might be wondering what is extraordinary about the above quote. I’m guessing that you will have either received or delivered the same or similar well meaning sentiment and I did many times both before surgery and throughout the course of my subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. But what Stevie said was totally different and had the most profound effect on me; whereas my dear friends and family desperately wanted it to be true, Stevie knew it to be true he knew that my mind could and would aid my return to full health – and guess what!!? ……..I am ok!! In fact I feel fitter and healthier now than I did before the diagnosis. The anaesthetist claimed that I was calmer and more relaxed than even he was, what’s more the speed of my post op recovery astounded the consultant and the whole nursing team let alone my friends and family! Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were a breeze – I’m NOT kidding! ….. during the course of these therapies I met some lovely people, I excercised more than I had done and enjoyed it too!, I paid more attention to my diet, I indulged myself whenever and with whatever took my fancy, I stopped worrying about things over which I had no contol and I feel so please and proud of what I’ve achieved. None of this was hard, not after I’d listened to Stevie.