Zoe, who was brought up in Lincoln, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 after noticing a small lump in her breast. Later in her journey, St Barnabas became an important source of support for her and her family.
Before her diagnosis, Zoe loved being active and getting out of the house. While cancer has slowed things down, spending time with her children (John age 14, Isobel age 9), and family is what makes Zoe happiest. Now, she focusses on small daily achievements, whether that’s listening to a podcast, starting a hobby such as knitting, or simply watching the birds in the garden.
Zoe says: “I first felt a small lump in my breast, but as it moved a little, and reduced and increased in size, I didn’t think it would be a problem. It was an absolute shock – breast cancer doesn’t run through my family. My body responded well to chemotherapy, lumpectomy, and radiotherapy, and I was quite hopeful. John and I rang the bell at the end of all my treatment.”
In July 2020, Zoe received the results from her first mammogram and was given the all-clear.
Zoe continues: “It was a huge relief. Then, four days later, I woke up and I couldn’t talk, couldn’t grip. I was told there was a 10cm tumour in my brain. My world stopped. The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was tell my children that their mum has terminal cancer.”
Zoe was told that without treatment or surgery she may have had only a few months to live. Thankfully, she was able to undergo brain surgery, which gave her more time. However, in February 2022, doctors noticed that although the tumours were small, they appeared to be growing, meaning she could not have further treatment.
“St Barnabas was with me from day one then, they offered everything they could. From the practical, emotional, and family support. They were amazing for all of us”
“I thought the hospice was only for people at the very end-of-life. I didn’t realise it was so amazing with outreach support – and not just for me, but for my family. The biggest thing for me, was the support they gave mum and the kids. When mum died 2 years ago, we asked for donations to St Barnabas, because of the impact they had in supporting her.”
Zoe has accessed a variety of St Barnabas’ community services, including massage therapy, physiotherapy, and wellbeing support. The team also provided support for her family, including providing coping strategies for her children, especially after the death of her mum.
While Zoe hasn’t needed St Barnabas as much as she did earlier in her diagnosis, she has recently turned to the hospice again as her physical health has declined.
“Everyone I have spoken to at St Barnabas has been amazing. They were fantastic with me, the kids and my mum – particularly Annie and Sue. Helen did massage therapy with me, and she made a big difference. Recently I’ve met my physiotherapist, Natalie, and she’s been really good.
“I’ve had various problems with my arthritis and my back. So, we’ve had to put a lot on hold, but she’s understood that and given me some exercises that I can do at home instead. They’re very understanding.”
St Barnabas also supported Zoe when she applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for the first time.
“I was really stressed out with the application, so that was a huge help. Sue also thinks of things that I wouldn’t. She knows that I’m not very good with asking for help, and she’s always been amazing. If I’ve met with her, and I’ve told her I’ve got issues with my health, she’ll go directly to my GP, so I don’t have to.
“She always thinks about the kids, always asks how they are. When I’ve been in the hospital or have given her a call, Sue will always answer or ring me back and say, ‘I’m always here for you’.”
Hospice at Home nurse, Sue also introduced Zoe to a simple idea that has helped her focus on small daily achievements:
“She suggested doing three things in a day that I’d be proud of. It’s about deciding, “Today I’m going to do X, Y, and Z,” and just putting that plan in my head helps me focus. Since I don’t leave the house much, due to my medication, it gives me something to do besides watching TV. It could be starting knitting again, looking out the window more, birdwatching, playing games, or listening to a podcast – anything that gives me a little purpose and keeps my mind active.”
Zoe describes herself as “one of the lucky ones” as she is stable at the moment. Incredibly grateful for the support she and her family have received, Zoe’s message to St Barnabas is simple:
“Thank you for making such a difference to me and my children. It is a real comfort to know that I can always be supported by such an amazing charity, with kind and thoughtful staff.”
To find out more about St Barnabas’ Hospice at Home care, please visit: Hospice at Home care provided across Lincolnshire