My name is Mary and my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer.
Sadly, by the time my cancer was discovered it had already spread to my lymph nodes, ribs and liver.
Suddenly I was facing a very different Christmas this year, one without hope.
One where I needed invasive chemotherapy every few weeks just to stay well.
Living with cancer isn’t easy and having to shield during lockdown has been especially tough.
Not being able to do the simple things in life, like cuddle my daughter Laura and grandchildren Kyle and Sophie left me heartbroken.
At times, I’ve felt like I was at breaking point.
Not being able to put my arms around my family when I needed them most left me feeling hopeless, alone and depressed.
I was struggling to cope and I know I would not have been writing this letter to you today without the unstinting help of Cancer Support Scotland.
They were there for me when I needed it most. They have been my rock. Without their incredible support, I simply don’t know where I would be.
I was so grateful to receive counselling from their team. It changed my outlook, it made a world of difference and helped me come to terms with the journey I am on.Just having someone to talk to about my fears and worries lifted a massive weight from my shoulders.
The counselling sessions have allowed me to accept the reality of having an incurable condition. Now it is one I’m learning to live with each day.
Once again I can look forward to celebrating Christmas with my family.
I would encourage everyone to be a little kinder, hug a little tighter and find it in ourselves to help others going through difficult struggles. That is why I’m asking all of you to support Cancer Support Scotland’s festive appeal, Give A Little More This Christmas.
I wouldn’t have survived without the charity’s help, but there are many other people like me who need the same help and support I was given.
Cancer Support Scotland also provided invaluable advice and holistic therapy for my daughter Laura.
The support she received has helped her come to terms with my diagnosis.
It’s made an incredible difference to all of my family, and while I know cancer will take over me one day and the chemotherapy will stop working, what Cancer Support Scotland has done for me means I can still look to the future with hope.
I want to be able to make more memories and enjoy a magical family Christmas. I want my grandchildren to know I did everything I could to keep going.
That’s why the counselling and stress management services provided by Cancer Support Scotland are so crucial. Anything you are able to donate today will greatly help other people just like me.
They have changed my outlook and given me a fresh determination to move forward.
A mum with cancer is still a mum.
Before counselling I felt so defeated, now not only can I live a fulfilling life with cancer, but I can also thrive too.
Cancer Support Scotland was there for me when I needed them, but that was only possible because of people like you.
Your generous donations allowed them to stay on the end of the phone to provide that lifeline for me and people just like me.
People from all across Scotland have been helped by Cancer Support Scotland’s Digital Wellbeing services during this difficult time when most of our face to face support services have been lost or reduced due to Covid-19.
This service is truly a lifeline and I will be forever grateful for the support I was given.
I don’t want others to struggle on their own like I did, so please Give a Little More This Christmas and help Cancer Support Scotland be there for those who need them, when they need them most.
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Your donation will help us care for more people with cancer and their loved ones through these challenging times.
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