Kerry Lowe, aged 61, from Langho in the Ribble Valley, was first referred to East Lancashire Hospice, following a referral from the Oncology team at Burnley General Hospital.
Since receiving support from the Counsellors at East Lancashire Hospice, she has also started to receive support from the Complementary Therapy team.
Kerry was first diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago. She underwent chemotherapy, a single mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. After finishing her treatment, she gradually began to rebuild her confidence and sense of self.
Three years ago, during a routine check-up, a CT scan revealed she had secondary cancer, this time in her liver and lymph nodes. Although the cancer was caught very early, Kerry found the news frightening.
Kerry explained, “I’d really picked myself up after overcoming breast cancer. I knew cancer could come back, but hearing those words again was terrifying. At the time, I thought secondary cancer was a death sentence, but it isn’t.” Kerry now lives a healthy life with targeted treatment that keeps her cancer stable.
Throughout her experience, Kerry felt physically well, but mentally, the journey was far more difficult. She described feeling fear, uncertainty, and a loss of identity, particularly when she lost her hair. Watching how her diagnosis affected her family, including her husband and two sons, was especially hard.
After struggling to process her news, Kerry began counselling sessions with Lucy, one of our Hospice counsellors. “Lucy was amazing. She reassured me that I could still live my life. She helped me turn things around from a pot of gloom and made me realise that even with a diagnosis, I still have a life to live.”
She describes living with cancer as, “Feeling in no man’s land, my cancer is under control, but it will never be cured. For a long time, I couldn’t even talk about it. But now with the help of Lucy, I share my story because I know it helps others to hear it.”
After 10 counselling sessions, Kerry felt a noticeable change in her well-being, “I used to get panic attacks, but Lucy has taught me coping mechanisms. Counselling has helped me see what truly matters; other things in life seem so small now.”
Alongside counselling, Kerry receives Complementary Therapy, including reflexology, which she says lifts her mood every time. “Complementary Therapy is amazing, not just the treatments, but being here at the Hospice. I’ve met people going through the same thing and made real friends, who understand.”
For Kerry, East Lancashire Hospice has become a safe and uplifting place. “Everything about the Hospice is so welcoming, from the volunteers on reception who greet you with a smile, to the staff who can’t do enough to help. At first, you think a hospice is only for very serious illnesses. But now, I just think of it as a place where I can come for a coffee, get support, and feel better. It’s such an uplifting place and has been such a massive help to me.”
If you feel inspired by Kerry’s story, or would like to find out more about the services provided by East Lancashire Hospice, please visit: www.eastlancshospice.org.uk
