HAIR loss, fatigue, scarring, muscle weakness – the physical effects of cancer can be endless. But the emotional scars can run as deep and are just as difficult to heal.
A new support centre run by the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is helping to treat such emotional turmoil. Offering a range of complementary therapies to soothe both body and mind, the centre, based at the Rivers Hospital in High Wych, is a haven.
A cancer diagnosis can lead to a range of conflicting emotions. Often patients continue to have worries long after their treatment has finished, while for others, feelings about their illness can surface months or years later.
On top of the physical symptoms and side effects of treatment there is a kaleidoscope of feelings to contend with, from anger, fear and despair to anxiety and uncertainty.
The centre, which was officially launched by BBC sports presenter Clare Balding last month, is the third opened by the Helen Rollason charity. A fourth is due to open at Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital soon.
The organisation is committed to caring for the overall wellbeing of cancer sufferers and providing better emotional support to people with all types of the disease, whether newly diagnosed or after treatment. Its services are free.
The charity was founded in memory of BBC Sport presenter Helen Rollason, who died of colon cancer 10 years ago. Her vision was for cancer patients to be treated holistically.
She had said: “Good quality of life while coping with cancer is the most important gift a sick person can receive – it should be available to everyone.”
The centre’s manager Lorna Ellis, a qualified nurse, said: “Cancer is such a difficult diagnosis and it affects the whole family.
“What we provide is a safe space where people can come to and be themselves. They don’t have to put on a front or a brave face or edit how they’re feeling.
“It’s often such a relief to come somewhere that is non-clinical and relaxed where they can get one-to-one care. Our aim is to enhance their quality of life and help them deal with an extremely stressful situation.
“I’ve seen over the last eight years how valuable that can be. It makes such a difference to their lives and this new centre means we can reach even more people.”
Since opening on November 9, demand for the centre’s services has been overwhelming. It offers a range of therapies, including manual lymph drainage, a specialist massage treatment rarely available on the NHS which can help fight infection and recovery from illness. It hopes to be able to offer counselling in the near future.
Another complementary therapy is reflexology, an ancient technique based on the principle that parts of the feet correspond to every part of the body. Applying pressure to different zones can help rebalance and align the body.
Therapist Rachael Hart said: “A lot of people don’t realise this type of therapy is available and how much it can help with what they are going through. Most have never considered it before. You can get a lot of side effects from cancer treatment and we are trying to alleviate them.
“Relaxation is very important and so is taking time out from and having a bit of ‘me time’. It’s a holistic approach; we care for the mind, body and soul.”
Patients can be referred to the centre by their doctor or consultant or pop in to make an appointment. Family members are also welcome.
Rachael said: “The emotional side of cancer can be exhausting but here people get some time to themselves. The benefits can’t be underestimated.”
One patient already benefiting is breast cancer survivor Carolyn Devonshire, who lives in Allens Green. The 62-year-old was diagnosed in May last year and is awaiting reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy.
She had her first aromatherapy treatment at the centre in the week it opened and last Wednesday returned for another session.
“It’s a really wonderful place,” she said. “This is a completely new thing for me and it’s great to have it right on my doorstep.
“It’s lovely to be able to lie back and let all the stress and tension go. It’s such a horrible thing for anyone to go through so it’s really nice to have some time out, even if it’s just for an hour.”
For more information about the Helen Rollason cancer support centre or to book an appointment, call Linda Bowler on (01279) 602667.