Although I had told people what I was going through, everyone just expected me to get on with it, and that was tough. When you hear ‘you’ve got cancer’ automatically, I thought I was going to die. That is what it does to you.
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, Karen, a client of Wessex Cancer Support, shares their story and experience.
When I received the diagnosis ‘it’s breast cancer’ I didn’t hear anything else. I can’t recall the rest of the conversation. I didn’t take it in; I was just in shock.
I was 48 at the time. I had no symptoms and felt perfectly well. My local GP surgery had asked if I wanted to participate in an early screening programme as part of a pilot.
It was a back n’ forth as they had seen something on the imagery, but the initial biopsies had come back clear. On the second set of biopsies, it was confirmed I had breast cancer.
While I was waiting for my surgery, I had to continue to go to work and pretend everything was fine for over two months.
Although I had told people what I was going through, everyone just expected me to get on with it, and that was tough. When you hear ‘you’ve got cancer’ automatically, I thought I was going to die. That is what it does to you.
I didn’t want to burden anyone. That was what was one of the hardest challenges.
Every time I saw my Mum she would burst into tears. As a Mum myself, I understood why. I didn’t want to be the one to make her feel that way. I didn’t want to talk to her about the upsetting parts, I needed to keep her positive, ‘yeah, I’m going to be fine’, I told her.
I used to cry in the shower and then come out putting on a persona of ‘I’m fine’, just to ensure my daughters didn’t see me upset. It wasn’t fair on them.
It’s the emotional side that is really energy draining. Not having the space to let it out without fear of upsetting any of my family.
I remember one day at my work, I was feeling emotional and my boss came up to me and said, ‘keep smiling’. I didn’t know what to say. I remember it so clearly and vividly. It was like, really?!
I understood it was their way of dealing with ‘bad news’ and their approach to life, but it wasn’t mine that day. Some days I just wanted to hide under my duvet, but you have to carry on.
I just needed a space where I could be myself.
I hadn’t heard of Wessex Cancer Support. I saw a leaflet in one of the waiting rooms at the hospital, but it was only when I reconnected with a friend on Facebook that I got the courage to go to the Wessex Cancer Support Centre in Waterside.
I had shared an update online about what I was going through and a school friend of mine reached out to say they had been going through a cancer diagnosis themselves. I was waiting for my surgery at the time, and my friend asked if I wanted to go for a coffee at the Waterside centre.
I was nervous at first, but the people were so lovely and supportive. I had found somewhere where you didn’t have to talk about cancer if you didn’t want to, no matter how I was feeling, it was somewhere where people completely understood and I always felt welcome.
Having somewhere to go where I could offload without affecting the emotions of my loved ones was so important. I had a massage and had my nails done and it made me feel like me again. It was lovely. I had a space that was for me, without the worry of burdening anyone. I still visit the centre for my manual lymphatic drainage treatment, and it’s great to see everyone.
That’s what special about Wessex Cancer Support, it’s the community and support you receive, you’re made to feel part of something.
It’s been six years since my diagnosis, and every year I’m getting stronger. My sister was diagnosed in October 2025, and I’m encouraging her to visit the centre. Through my own experience, I’m a lot more practical and feel like I’m able to help her, I know what she’s going through and it’s having that understanding and shared experience that makes the difference.
My fiancé participated in one of skydiving fundraising events organised by Wessex Cancer Support a few years ago – he absolutely loved it. So much so, he trained to get his licences and has done skydiving as a hobby for several years now!
I’ve always been a positive person and would encourage anyone to make the most of your time. But for those moments where you need to an extra ‘boost’, I would recommend you visit your local centre, the team are amazing.
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 centre today, or drop in to speak to our friendly team.
