45 stories for 45 years. Throughout 2026, we’re sharing the stories of our clients, volunteers and staff who make the Wessex Cancer Support community what it is.
Through our community’s lived experience of cancer, we can provide our clients with the tailored support they need.
For this edition, Angie, a client of Wessex Cancer Support, shares their story and experience.
It was 9am on a Sunday morning in back in June 2024 and I was in the consultant’s room with my husband. I knew what was going to be said before a word was even spoken, as they leaned forward and said, ‘It’s cancer’. High grade endometrial carcinoma.
I knew that was what I was going to be told. I didn’t cry, but as I looked across, my husband was stunned but held my hand.
It may sound strange but I had a sense of relief that I knew what it was. Every member of the medical team were pleased that I hadn’t waited or let my symptoms go unchecked – that I had got myself in quickly to check-up.
I didn’t need chemotherapy as I was fit and healthy, but I did need a full hysterectomy, alongside my lymph nodes, ovaries and fallopian tubes all being removed. This was followed three months later by Brachytherapy, a form of radiotherapy.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t my only cancer. In October 2025, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, bit of a shock! Although this has been much easier to deal with compared to my first instance – small operation and it’s being managed.
Fortunately for me, the operation happened before Halloween, so although it looked quite grim, it was perfect for the time of year!
I still get a bit of pain and there’s scarring from the procedure, but when you tell some people that it’s been removed and their response is ‘Oh well, it’s gone now. You’re fine’, sometimes you just need to walk away. People say things like that and think they mean well, but it undermines the whole experience you go through.
Looking back, telling my three children and eight grandchildren that I had cancer, not being able to walk up the stairs or drive to my daughter’s house because of the wounds healing, that was a challenge.
The week before my first diagnosis I was playing badminton and leading a very active lifestyle. I had to accept that life is different now and I found that challenging both emotionally and physically.
While I wasn’t able to walk up the stairs or sleep in my own bed for a while, the support I had from my friends and family was incredible.
I remember when I was recovering I had difficulty in wearing certain types of clothing, and with the wardrobe upstairs, I wasn’t able to pick out the outfits I wanted – this is where I learnt my husband had no clue about anything related to fashion:
‘Can you get my leopard print top?’
‘What’s leopard print?’
‘Can you get me my pink cardigan?’
‘No, that’s a red jumper!’
The photo birthday cards that my daughter had bought me over the years of us as a family now became an internal shopping catalogue for the outfits I needed from the upstairs wardrobe!
That was one of the most amazing things; the laughter me and my husband have shared over the last 18 months has been brilliant. I didn’t know you could have laughter in these types of situations, but we did. In life, you don’t always appreciate the silly little things, and now we were learning to laugh again.
Being able to accept the help and realise people wanted to see me, not bothering what I was wearing, or the state of the house has been humbling – I feel very lucky to have so many people around me.
I was really nervous to go the cancer support centre. I remember almost turning away as I first walked up to the door, worried about what was behind it, but I didn’t need to be.
The people and community were so welcoming, and the services I received from Wessex Cancer Support meant that I could be myself, share and connect with other people who understood where I was coming from.
I’m kinder now and I don’t get upset as much over the small things. I’ve learnt to take care of myself and I’ve been encouraged to do the things I wanted to do. I remember being told the following at Wessex and it really stayed with me: not to take judgements personally. Self-care, does not mean selfish; know that my values do not depend on other people’s validations. Most importantly, don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
Through this experience, I would encourage anyone to seek out advice early for any worries they may have, always write the questions you want to ask before you go into the consultation room, and try something new – I’ve decided to learn Italian!
Our community provides a safe, supportive space for people affected by cancer. Through our emotional and wellbeing services, we provide the support to our communities in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We’ve been here for you since 1981.
You can call or email your local cancer support centre today, or drop in to speak to our friendly team.
