Our peer to peer support panel is made up of … Read their stories below.
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Paula Gleeson
Age group: 46-55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer
I am a wife, mother and a survivor of breast cancer. I was diagnosed in 2020 and my treatment included surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I also took part in a clinical trial. I received great support from friends and colleagues who had been through cancer treatments themselves. I really appreciated this in such a difficult time.
I recognise, through my own experience, how difficult it can be to find out about the wide variety of supports available to people following a cancer diagnosis and how to access them.
My aim is to help others to navigate their treatment with greater ease by signposting them towards the right supports to meet their individual needs. I also offer an empathic ear to those who just want someone to speak to, who they can relate to what they are going through. This is both during treatment and when planning a return to work.
Sharon Dowling
Age group: 46-55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer at 45 years old in 2018. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node clearance and then underwent 6 months of Chemotherapy and Radiation. I was out of work for just over a year.
The way I look at it now is that I had to take a year out to let the doctors fix me. I definitely would have liked to know more information about supports available, so whether you are just newly diagnosed or ready to go back to work, I could signpost you to the relevant information.
Shirley O’Shea
Age group: 46-55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer (DCIS)
I thought to have breast cancer, you had to have a lump. I had no symptoms at all, so was taken by surprise when I was diagnosed with early stages of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma in situ. I had never heard of it. The breast cancer nurse was so helpful and supportive during my treatment. I opted for a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. I had 5 weeks of radiotherapy, then returned to my job as Health Promotion Officer. I got involved in setting up the Cork Dragon Boating Team. Since then I have completed CanReb training.
Exercise and cancer is a growing research area that I am interested in. I’m a big fan of self care as part of cancer treatment and recovery. I don’t have all the answers but I will try and find them while providing a listening ear! Looking forward to supporting others.
Susan Wallace
Age group: 46-55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2008 aged 36. Eight weeks after giving birth to my second child and the day before my eldest turned two. I underwent chemo, radiation (in Dublin) and then mastectomy and reconstruction.
I was on maternity leave and then took sick leave (when maternity leave was finished), and returned to work almost 1 year later. I had very good support from my line manager and colleagues at the time. However, I found it emotionally difficult returning to work initially.
I had a local recurrence in March 2012 and underwent surgery, chemo and radiation again. I continued working through my treatment (by choice) until I went to Dublin again for radium treatment. (It was very different being away from my children both times). Again, my line manager was very supportive. Work for me was a distraction / focus away from my own difficulties as I went through my cancer journey.
I work reduced hours, as it gives me a better work-life balance. My priorities after cancer have changed. I am far more into exercise, looking after myself and trying not to get too stressed about things.
I understand how it feels (for me) to be told that your cancer has come back. I appreciate the importance of having good support both inside and outside the workplace. Also I felt that it was often far easier to chat to others going through a cancer journey, who you can relate to, rather than your loved ones. I feel very grateful to be healthy and well 11 years past my last diagnosis, and really look forward to being able to support others going through their cancer journey. I only wish this was available all those years ago.
