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From diagnosis to treatment: Emily's experience with Macmillan
We’re fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support through our Community Champions scheme, combining the efforts of our members, colleagues and customers.
We last fundraised for Macmillan in 2010, raising £90,000. This time round, we’ve pledged to raise an incredible £200,000! These funds will support vital local services for people living with cancer.
Emily Guest is one of the many local people that’s benefitted from the charity’s support. You can read her story here…
“In October 2023, I noticed a lump and, airing on the side of caution, went to my doctors to get it checked out. They referred me for a check at Lincoln Hospital, but due to my age, no one expected the results to show anything serious.
“However, the results came back, and, at age 30, I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.
“It was such a shock, and within a week I was sat in a room with a surgeon, discussing my treatment; it was all very practical and matter of fact.
“A Macmillan nurse, called Kate, accompanied me to this meeting. She remained a regular point of contact for me, right up until my treatment. Following the consultation, Kate took me into a private room to ensure that I understood everything, bringing that human element back into the situation.
“We had a long chat. I told her about myself and the things that scared me. She was able to ease some of my worries immediately, and for other things, she went away and found answers for me.
“I was anxious about going into hospital for surgery, but Kate was there for me every step of the way and passed on important information to the team conducting my operation, to ensure that I had everything I needed to feel as comfortable as possible on the day.
“I’m lucky to have a fantastic support system of family and friends, but they sometimes don’t have the answers or find it hard to know the right thing to say. That’s why it was so important to have Kate to lean on too.
“The day before my surgery, I had a wobble and felt as though I couldn’t go through with it. I rang Kate, and she sat and spoke to me for 45 minutes on the phone. Because of her, I was able to overcome my fears and go ahead with the operation.
“In February 2024, I underwent radiotherapy, and then was discharged from the hospital. This treatment made me a lot more ill than I expected. As a result, I was off work for two and a half months. It really took a toll on me; I was struggling mentally, financially and physically.
“Fortunately, Macmillan maintained regular contact with me and recommended that I underwent a holistic needs assessment. This enabled them to signpost to workshops, support groups and other useful services and pieces of information.
“When you find yourself in a situation like this, everything feels so overwhelming. Macmillan relieve some of that pressure and show you that you’re worthy of support and make it accessible to you.
“Just before my one-year check-up, I had another scare and was overcome with pure panic. Since my operation, I had been supported by Macmillan Nurse Sophie, and we had developed a good relationship. I called her straight away, and she got me booked in for a check-up.
“When I first got diagnosed, I was totally caught off guard by it. I didn’t want to feel that same loss of control again, I wanted to know what might come next.
“Sophie understood this and understood me, and how my mind works. She got me all the answers I needed to feel even a tiny bit of reassurance.
“When the test results came back all clear, it was a massive relief! After a long recovery, I’m so happy to say that I’m now cancer-free.
“Macmillan have stuck by me and remained consistent amongst so much uncertainty. I could never thank them enough for all that they have done for me, and for others around me.”
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