Julie Slater, aged 48, from Chapel House, has been coming to our Day Services for lymphoedema treatment for the last 18 months. The lymphoedema is a result of radiotherapy which caused Julie’s arm to swell up to double its normal size.
Julie explains:
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2006 and am now in remission. Due to the radiotherapy treatment and my lymph nodes being removed I now have lymphoedema in my right arm.
“When my consultant first suggested coming to St Oswald’s I was shocked as I only really knew about the inpatient side of things. From my first visit I felt right at home; the staff and volunteers are fantastic, the atmosphere is amazing and I feel so fortunate that I’m able to come here. All the doctors and nurses that I have come in contact with have been so caring and considerate. It’s very reassuring to know that if I’m worried about anything I can pick up the phone to St Oswald’s and chat things through, nothing is ever too much trouble.
Julie
“If it wasn’t for St Oswald’s my whole lifestyle would be completely different, I wouldn’t be able to work, drive or even do the little things for myself, like dry my hair or put on my makeup. To me, what St Oswald’s provides is crucial, they offer so many different services to so many different people, and always with a smile!”
Julie finishes:
“As St Oswald’s is one of the few places in the North East where lymphoedema patients can come to be treated, I’m so grateful for the care I receive. I try to support St Oswald’s in as many ways as I can. Last year my family and friends didn’t send Christmas cards, we donated money to St Oswald’s instead. Things like this are my little way of trying to give something back.”