The Swallows Charity Book, Edition 2

Fund
raising
Support Services
for patients with
Head & Neck
Cancer
£100 to us is like
winning the Lottery,
so please remember...
‘Every penny counts!’
Our volunteers have completed a number of
different events, from bag packs to 28km swims
in the Lake District! We are truly thankful to all
the volunteers who have taken part in an event
to help valuable funds for the charity.
Some ideas:
• Run a marathon
• Sponsored walk
• Sky Dive
• Dress as you like day
• Bike Ride
• Shave your head
• Bake off!
• Come dine with me
We will gladly help and provide materials such as t-shirts,
sponsorship forms and letters of authority.
To get
involved email
fundraising@
theswallows.
org.uk
The best events are those
when you have fun while
fundraising. So just think
what you would enjoy
doing, then get sponsored
for doing it!
justgiving.com/
theswallows
“I’m sorry to say that
the biopsy shows that
you have cancer...”
No matter how much the diagnosis of cancer may have
been suspected, the sheer enormity of the statement
above often results in a range of gut-wrenching emotion
and anxiety. The rest of the conversation often blurs
into a nightmare of thoughts and fears. “What am I
going to tell my wife/husband/partner/children, why
me, how did this happen, when etc” all fill your mind as
you try to rationalize what you are hearing. The Medical
and Nursing team provide details of the cancer and
treatment, but your mind hasn’t yet moved on.
" Will I live”?”"
Once the realization hits home there is often a feeling
of isolation despite the individual support of family
and friends. Some people are fortunate to have lots of
support but this is not available to everyone. However,
no matter the age, social status or background, the
basic support needs are often very similar.
The diagnosis, subsequent treatment and
consequences of therapies take their toll. The need
for support is there at all stages of the process. Some
require this short term, during specific stages of
this journey, whereas others require a much more
prolonged service.
Whilst most people are aware of the support available
from the conventional sources such as GP’s, Hospital
specialists (Surgeons and Oncologists) and Specialist
Nurses, there are many other sources available. People
often turn to Google as the first port of call. Whilst
the Internet is a useful resource, it is not sensitive to
the requirements of individuals. However, it means
generic information can be readily available within a
few minutes. Some people prefer the factual and often
non-attachment of this approach but others prefer a
personal and empathetic approach.
The provision of support services varies depending
on regional and geographic availability. However, all
regions have access to one or more of the services of
the larger charitable services for cancer e.g. Macmillan
or Marie Curie. These provide access to general
information as well as patient -specific support. Many
regions are further supported by Hospices, which add
to the provision of services, which may include support
of people who have cancer and also their families/
carers. These services are run by a combination of
health-care professionals ably supported by funded
counsellors and volunteers. Formal support in the form
of Psychology, and in some instances the expertise of
Psychiatrists can be helpful, as anxiety and depression
are much more common than in the general population.
Many localities have independent patient and carer
organized support services and self help groups, such
as The Swallows, Laryngectomy groups, Mouth Cancer
Foundation and Saving Faces. These provide an
invaluable service. The exact nature varies, depending
on the constitution of the group, but would typically
provide a range of services including advice, support,
buddying and telephone services for crisis care.
Whilst support is available, individual requirements
vary with respect to the amount and timing of it. There
is ultimately no single answer to what is right for every
individual. There is also a significant variation in how
people take up this support, with a gender variation in
acceptance. In addition, some view this as a personal
failure; a view that has to be acknowledged, but
counteracted with a supportive, balanced view given.
Mr S Akhtar
Oral and Maxillofacial
Consultant Surgeon,
Royal Preston Hospital
26 24/7 Patient and Carer support line and text service: 07504 725 059 theswallows.org.uk
theswallows.org.uk 24/7 Patient and Carer support line and text service: 07504 725 059 27