Patricia’s story

Thirty years ago my father died with lung cancer and when my mother was first told of the diagnosis she would not accept this or talk about it. How times have changed, when Jim was told he had bowel cancer we sat down to work out what our attitude was to be. We agreed that whatever people asked we would answer straightforwardly to the best of our knowledge which was not very great at this stage. We had to let our children, one in Bristol and one in the Cayman Islands know and they took the news calmly (though they might have suspected from the tests Jim was having) and replied that they were sure all would be well.

I went with Jim to all his appointments including the Chemotherapy which was quite an eye opener as we expected a sombre place but it was a light and quite casual and cheery atmosphere. We had a friend who, three months earlier, had been diagnosed with the same complaint and he was very helpful for which we were grateful otherwise we had the hospital information sheets but personal contact is better and if we can be of help we will be only too happy to do so.

Next March it will be four years since we heard what we thought at the time was devastating but turned out not to be and Jim is very well. For myself I would say not to think it is something you must keep to yourself and sweep under the carpet, there are many people today who will happily talk to you and answer your questions - good luck.