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This web site or any of the links from it are not intended as a replacement for medical care. To this end we are unable to offer any information regarding specific medical conditions/diagnosis. Every effort has been made to make sure the info on this site is accurate CHORLEYS ANGELS can’t accept liability for any of the information supplied by the links on this site. Chorleys Angels is not a charity, neither is it able to offer monetary assistance for visitors suffering financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis.

INFORMATION/SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR PARTNERS & CARER'S

Partners and carer's are affected by the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in different ways. Breast cancer in younger women ie under the age of 40 can leave the patient feeling very isolated with many concerns from coping with menopausal symptoms, fertility, childcare and talking to their children about breast cancer to childcare. Breast Cancer Care has developed it's own range of services for this age group called the Lavender Trust. The phone number is 020 7384 4617.

Services include :

A telephone support group for younger women.

Help is available through the help line open on Saturdays as well as weekdays.

An internet chat room and on-line support services.

The provision of accurate and up-to-date written information.

Whilst these are primarily designed for the women themselves, information and access to the services is available for partners and carer's at Breast Cancer Care.

An important aspect for partners and carer's is provided through Breast Cancer Care's Partner Volunteer Service, where you can be put in touch with other partners who have had a similar experience from any age group. These volunteers have received training through BCC, and are some years away from that experience, but are able to offer support to partners who may also need support too. Talking to someone who understands what you have been going through [as a man] because they too have had a similar experience can really help make the difference. These volunteers are able to offer practical advice and emotional support in helping partners to come to terms with the often bewildering feelings and confusing thoughts that occur. Partners may want to help to support and to comfort the distress that they see their partners and their children face, but may be unsure how best to go about this.

Support is also available for the 1% of men that are diagnosed with male breast cancer.

Breast cancer care is always pleased to hear from the partners of men and
women who may be able to offer interest in becoming a partner volunteer.
The Partner Volunteer telephone number is 0808 800 6000.

It is also well worth while looking around to see what is available to offer support on a local level e.g. therapy centres for people with cancer and their partners and family.

You don't know what's around unless you ask!!

The Christie Hospital may be able to help with this and it's worth trying the breast care nurses/oncology nurses at your local or neighboring hospitals to see if they know of local help and support services. Don't forget CancerBacup, Cancerlink etc.,

Well, the ideas are there so I hope they may be of help.

There's an old saying that goes " it's better to light a candle in the darkness, than to sit in the dark" I think that says it all.....................

Best wishes to Gillian and all of Chorley's Angels!

Julie Thomas

CNS Symptomatic Breast Care at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Julie also recommends the book All Woman - Life after breast cancer. Which has also been reviewed on this site.

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