The whole experience makes you feel valued. And that in itself makes you feel better.
Emma Whitcombe was only 34 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, 11 years ago. Living in Sutton, a small village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, she was initially treated in Leeds Hospital.
“Within four weeks of diagnosis I had a lumpectomy. That was followed by six rounds of chemotherapy delivered once a month, then three weeks of radiotherapy every day in Leeds Hospital about 15 miles away”.
As a result of the treatment, Emma had to come to terms with not being able to have children, but remained stoic: “I knew I had two choices, sit and feel sorry for myself or get on with my life. And I was determined to do the latter”.
And that was that. Or so Emma thought, until 2019, when she started experiencing severe pains in her back. Her doctor first thought was sciatica, but the pain was unrelenting and after six GP appointments, Emma was finally sent for an X-ray.
“I knew something was wrong. I was told I would get the results in four weeks, but they rang me the very same day and told me the cancer was back. I would have had my sister with me if I had been warned, but I was on my own when I heard the news and it was horrible. I felt so angry that no one had ever warned me it might come back”.
Emma learned that she had bone metastases in her right thigh and hip as well as her ribs and spine – the site of most of her pain – and she was quickly admitted for a week into her local Airedale Hospital to start treatment and get her pain under control.
Emma’s body could not tolerate her initial treatment with Ribociclib and in 2020 she was started on Palbociclib, medication which is suiting her much better.
After a month on Palbociclib, Emma was able to transfer to a Hope for Tomorrow ‘bus’ for her treatment. An experience she describes in glowing terms.
“The bus is fabulous, you are seen really promptly. Initially I was treated on the Linda bus (unit) but that now goes up into the Yorkshire Dales delivering treatment to people in remote locations. It was very exciting to get the new bus, Christine!
There are only ever three other patients besides you and it’s a very calm, warm atmosphere. I’m only there for a short visit but it’s usually the same nurses and you build a rapport with them. It’s lovely.
Emma continued: “Don’t get me wrong! I had excellent treatment at Airedale, but of course there are usually long waits and parking issues, whereas the bus can be at a local supermarket, or a garden centre, or a hotel, and all are brilliant for parking. I’m seen almost straight away. The driver welcomes you and makes you feel at home. He helps you up the steps which for me was great as I have trouble with my mobility. I take my holiday photos in to show the nurses. The whole experience makes you feel valued. And that in itself makes you feel better”.
“Christine has a little side room too, so you have a space to discuss anything you wish to keep private”.
Emma had to give up her career as a primary school teacher at a time when the country was struggling to cope with a full blown Covid epidemic; “I tried to go back but I was just too exhausted”. However, Emma has outlived her initial three-year prognosis and is planning for the future.
She reflects: “I actually think I am very lucky. I have completely changed my view of life. My time is precious and I spend time with my partner, family and the friends that really count”.
Emma says all her family have been wonderful, her sister sorts out her medication, helps with the cleaning and adds that she just couldn’t manage without her.
Emma loves to travel and, as her mobility is limited, she and her partner favour cruises. So far they have explored Norway, seen the Northern Lights and visited the Mediterranean, and next year’s holiday is already planned!
“We’re off to visit the Norwegian fjords, and my niece is getting married, so there is so much to look forward to”.
Emma had a few final words to add about the Hope for Tomorrow Unit: “Friendships grow with the staff, and on Christine there are rainbows in the skylight to look at. You can watch the weather outside – sun, snow or showers! The whole experience makes you feel at peace somehow”.
The whole experience makes you feel valued. And that in itself makes you feel better.
Emma Whitcombe was only 34 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, 11 years ago. Living in Sutton, a small village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, she was initially treated in Leeds Hospital.
“Within four weeks of diagnosis I had a lumpectomy. That was followed by six rounds of chemotherapy delivered once a month, then three weeks of radiotherapy every day in Leeds Hospital about 15 miles away”.
As a result of the treatment, Emma had to come to terms with not being able to have children, but remained stoic: “I knew I had two choices, sit and feel sorry for myself or get on with my life. And I was determined to do the latter”.
And that was that. Or so Emma thought, until 2019, when she started experiencing severe pains in her back. Her doctor first thought was sciatica, but the pain was unrelenting and after six GP appointments, Emma was finally sent for an X-ray.
“I knew something was wrong. I was told I would get the results in four weeks, but they rang me the very same day and told me the cancer was back. I would have had my sister with me if I had been warned, but I was on my own when I heard the news and it was horrible. I felt so angry that no one had ever warned me it might come back”.
Emma learned that she had bone metastases in her right thigh and hip as well as her ribs and spine – the site of most of her pain – and she was quickly admitted for a week into her local Airedale Hospital to start treatment and get her pain under control.
Emma’s body could not tolerate her initial treatment with Ribociclib and in 2020 she was started on Palbociclib, medication which is suiting her much better.
After a month on Palbociclib, Emma was able to transfer to a Hope for Tomorrow ‘bus’ for her treatment. An experience she describes in glowing terms.
“The bus is fabulous, you are seen really promptly. Initially I was treated on the Linda bus (unit) but that now goes up into the Yorkshire Dales delivering treatment to people in remote locations. It was very exciting to get the new bus, Christine!
There are only ever three other patients besides you and it’s a very calm, warm atmosphere. I’m only there for a short visit but it’s usually the same nurses and you build a rapport with them. It’s lovely.
Emma continued: “Don’t get me wrong! I had excellent treatment at Airedale, but of course there are usually long waits and parking issues, whereas the bus can be at a local supermarket, or a garden centre, or a hotel, and all are brilliant for parking. I’m seen almost straight away. The driver welcomes you and makes you feel at home. He helps you up the steps which for me was great as I have trouble with my mobility. I take my holiday photos in to show the nurses. The whole experience makes you feel valued. And that in itself makes you feel better”.
“Christine has a little side room too, so you have a space to discuss anything you wish to keep private”.
Emma had to give up her career as a primary school teacher at a time when the country was struggling to cope with a full blown Covid epidemic; “I tried to go back but I was just too exhausted”. However, Emma has outlived her initial three-year prognosis and is planning for the future.
She reflects: “I actually think I am very lucky. I have completely changed my view of life. My time is precious and I spend time with my partner, family and the friends that really count”.
Emma says all her family have been wonderful, her sister sorts out her medication, helps with the cleaning and adds that she just couldn’t manage without her.
Emma loves to travel and, as her mobility is limited, she and her partner favour cruises. So far they have explored Norway, seen the Northern Lights and visited the Mediterranean, and next year’s holiday is already planned!
“We’re off to visit the Norwegian fjords, and my niece is getting married, so there is so much to look forward to”.
Emma had a few final words to add about the Hope for Tomorrow Unit: “Friendships grow with the staff, and on Christine there are rainbows in the skylight to look at. You can watch the weather outside – sun, snow or showers! The whole experience makes you feel at peace somehow”.
