21/04/2026
I had the privilege to work with this fabulous client. Who took the time to write a testimonial, which I am always to incredibly grateful for ❤️. Thank you .
This is another reason why I love my work.
I was initially diagnosed with throat cancer in mid September, and the scans I had were unable to ascertain where the primary cancer was located. It was decided to remove my tonsils,and i also had a TBM mucosectomy ( removal of tongue tissue. ) This was successful, the primary Cancer was found to be in my right tonsil. As you can imagine , this was extremely painful afterwards, i was kept in for two days, as the swelling in my throat meant I was unable to eat , and drinking was extremely difficult. A month after this , I was visiting the oncologist , I was offered the opportunity of a medical trial, using Proton Beam Therapy to treat my cancer. This would hopefully reduce acute effects both during and after treatment, and bearing in mind the issues after my tonsils were taken , I was fortunate to be accepted onto the trial. This meant relocating to Manchester for the duration of the treatment. I travelled up to Manchester in mid November to be fitted with the mask I was required to wear whilst undergoing the treatment. It was slightly uncomfortable at first , having a warm sheet of plastic mesh laid across my face,but the fitting of the mask went OK. Later that day I had to undergo an MRI scan, and all was well with the mask going on initially. By now the mask was cold , and quite firm around my throat, which stirred the memories of how uncomfortable and difficult things had been after having my tonsils out.All was OK, but as I was about to go into the machine for my scan, I managed to choke myself . As I was fixed to the bed in the mask, I felt quite a sense of panic through not being able to move, or breathe. The mask was quickly removed by the staff , but it took around 2 hours, some medication and lots of chat with a member of the Christie Hospital 'Calm team' before I could wear the mask long enough for the scan to take place. I guess they have a similar team at the NNUH, if not they should get one immediately.Peter was a very calming influence, helping with breathing, controlling swallowing , the power of positive thinking etc, but it was tapping with you that sorted the issues i had with the mask.
The chap from the staff at The Christie who was so helpful during this time, was Peter Vardy, and we struck up a good relationship, which helped through my treatment.
Back at home, during the wait to begin my treatment in Manchester, I began to feel very anxious at the prospect of wearing the mask every day for 6 1/2 weeks, and it was then I contacted Michelle for your details, as she mentioned you had helped her with her job as an Ambulance operator.
The hour or so I spent with you was one of the best things i've ever done,( ! ) I felt so calm about the prospect of wearing the mask, that on the first day I fell asleep during treatment ! , which I went on to do several times. Even if I tried to feel nervous or worried about it, I really just couldn't, it's impossible to describe what a massive help you were,
and the difference it made to how I felt about the whole experience.