We want to introduce you to the wonderful Yvonne, pictured here with her son - amazing Alfie. 

Yvonne lives with a metastatic bowel cancer diagnosis and has been supported by our Care Services Team here at ACS. Although Yvonne’s cancer is incurable, she continues to undergo treatment to manage her symptoms, and to allow her to live well for as long as possible. In her words: 

“Since my original diagnosis of bowel cancer in December 2021 I have accessed the services of ACS. At that time I sought some counselling to help me navigate through a very difficult path and the lovely Sarah helped me realise I was doing the best I could in a rubbish situation. I was terrified when I was originally diagnosed with cancer that I would die and leave my family behind. At that time my son Alfie was 4. Fast forward to January 2024 and I am told the cancer has returned however this time it’s terminal, and my prognosis is 2 to 3 years.  

Panic obviously set in so I immediately contacted ACS again. I needed support to navigate all my feelings without upsetting my family. Again, Sarah pulled me back from some dark places and we worked through my feelings and how I could make the most of my time I had left. At this point my husband Jim sought counselling support from Paul to work through his emotions and we sought support for Alfie from the Children and Young People Service. 

The lovely Gill started working with Alfie following an outdoor day meeting where we embraced nature and relaxed in hammocks. Alfie is autistic and can be shy with strangers however Gill worked her magic and soon started to support Alfie within his school. The “magic bus” has helped Alfie work through some difficult feelings and he is now completing an anxiety programme to prepare him for what’s ahead. Gill has been a godsend in helping us to support Alfie and every time my results are worse she makes us all feel calm in our storm.  

I have also attended some Look Good Feel Better workshops to boost my confidence when I’ve being feeling down about the physical effects of my cancer and a pampering session with others feeling the same has been so beneficial. The complimentary therapies on offer help offer some relaxation from the stresses and most recently I attended a Living With Uncertainty Course that allowed me to engage with others living just like me, enabling us to manage our anxieties in a better way. 

I would never have attended groups with strangers prior to coming to ACS as I was always shy, however as soon as you walk through the doors you are made to feel welcome and part of a family. Ayrshire Cancer Support have not only supported me, Jim and Alfie, but my wider family too including my mum, sister,  niece and nephew and without their support we would be in a scary place. My stepdaughters and my brother have been welcomed to seek support too.  

I feel better knowing that even though I will die earlier than planned, my family will continue to be supported by a great bunch of people who deserve all the money in the world. I’m forever grateful to this amazing charity.” 

Yvonne has some words of wisdom to other people navigating the challenges that cancer can bring: 

“For anyone affected by cancer my advice would be to access all support available to you. Speak with people in your situation so you don’t feel alone and be open and honest with your family and friends. If you don’t tell them how you feel they’ll never know. But the most important fact I would ensure everyone affected by cancer knows, is to prioritise your own wellbeing. It’s not selfish but necessary to be the best you can be.” 

If you would like to access support from ACS, please drop in, click “Get Support” on our website, call 01563 538008, or email admin@ayrshirecs.org 

Keep reading to see the full newsletter...