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Natural Image Hair Studio – Southampton

Posted on by Keith Withers

Hair Studio

 

If you are having chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other cancer treatments, you may lose your hair or find that it becomes thinner. These changes are almost always temporary.

 

In June last year the Natural Image Hair Studio was first launched in Southampton.

 

Stylist Tracy Blackwell offers personal styling appointments for wigs and hair pieces to support those with hair loss and other needs.

 

The studio stocks wigs and hair pieces from Natural Image, a brand which specialises in wigs for those experiencing hair loss through treatments like chemotherapy. They also stock Gabor and Raquel Welch wigs and toppers.

The Wig Room

​How it Started

 

Tracy has been instrumental in setting up the new service after she experienced the emotional effect of hair loss through her mum, who received treatment for breast cancer.

 

“My lovely mum went through such a tough time during treatment for her cancer and losing her hair was a very difficult time for her,” says Tracy.

 

“I felt this project was such an exciting opportunity to give something back and to help others in a very positive way. I felt I was with my mum on her wig journey, so well equipped to understand the needs of clients seeking this service and jumped at the chance to be part of this adventure.”

 

As well as becoming the branch’s hair specialist, Tracy has also used her interior design skills to create a space for a private and discreet Hair Studio within the store.

Appointment Only

 

One-to-one appointments in the Hair Studio are in a private space off the shop floor. The service is free, but you should call to book an appointment in advance prior to your visit. The salon is open 6 days a week with some late nights too, so plenty of choice if you’re working and need to visit after you finish work.

 

The Hair Studio has a good assortment of wigs and hair pieces to buy on the day. You will have plenty of time to try on the hair pieces if you wish, or you can browse the catalogue with the stylist to see if there is anything that catches your eye. Nothing is rushed, and you can bring a friend for support and encouragement.

 

John Lewis accepts NHS Vouchers for patients with medical and long-term medical conditions.

Feedback

 

To date Tracy has carried out more than 100 appointments with lots of fantastic feedback from customers who are now calling the studio ‘The little secret room’.

“You have completely shifted how I felt about chemo and hair loss, and I’ve found myself with a spring in my step this evening for the first time in a while’.”

“The service you provide is a real positive to someone who has cancer. Losing my hair was one of the most distressing things of the chemotherapy treatment & you treated me with care & compassion. My wig looks fantastic on me & I have already accessorised it for going out”.

“Tracy was kind, considerate, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly from the outset. She made my journey into the unknown more bearable, with her expertise and friendly nature. Cancer is scary and it certainly helps to have support and guidance where needed as it becomes so overwhelming. Tracy did that, and more. Thank you, Tracy. You are an absolute gem. Xxxx”

“What an amazing experience, this makes such a difference to have this service, how you feel after being here is ‘I’m going to cope and look great!’”

For more information or to book an appointment please contact Tracy by phone on 07764 676788, or by email at tracy.blackwell@johnlewis.co.uk

 

You can read more about hair loss as a side effect of cancer treatment on the Macmillan Cancer Support website

Cancer Care Map

Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There is a wide range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.

Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.

To find support groups and services in your local area, click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can enter key words to search for more specific services.

About Cancer Matters Wessex
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Helen’s Story – Gynae Cancer Support Group

Posted on by Keith Withers

Introduction

 

My name is Helen and in 2017, after more than 30 years of nursing, I developed endometrial cancer.

 

Following a radical hysterectomy and internal radiotherapy I developed lymphoedema in both legs and, more recently, lipoedema, and made the difficult decision to give up work. It was early after my surgery, during a follow-up appointment that I uttered the words “I wish I could do something to help.” The surgeon literally ran out of the room, and I turned to my husband and said, “what have I gone and done now!”

 

And so, I ended up running a gynae cancer support group at the Macmillan Centre at the local hospital where I had been working. I must admit that I felt a little bit lost, and the group bumbled along but I was aware that there wasn’t really any direction to it.

 

Then Covid hit, and like so many things, the group came to a grinding halt. It was only last year that I decided to ring the Macmillan nurses to see if anything was happening with the group and whether they needed any help running it. Silly me! I was bribed with the promise of a free coffee and ended up somehow agreeing to run the group once more.

Helen and her “long-suffering” husband

Macmillan Grant

 

I rang the Macmillan Centre only to find that we could no longer hold our meetings there. I then rang Macmillan Cancer Support and was told that we were eligible for a grant, but there were certain processes to go through before we would be given the money. It felt a little bit daunting at first and I questioned whether I was up to the task. I decided to go ahead, and the first thing I had to do was to open a business account. Some of the questions I had to answer made me laugh as I had to declare whether any of the money came from dealing with weapons and whether I was intending on having an offshore account!

 

Once the business account was opened, with my husband insisting on calling me the CEO (I won’t tell you my response!) I went about finding a venue. I decided to use a conference room at the hospital and costed various items such as a kettle, mugs, and social events. Finally, I filled out the grant application. None of this would have been possible without the guidance of Macmillan and the support of my long-suffering husband.

Poster promoting the support group

Starting Up

 

I went along to another gynae cancer support group in Basingstoke and was really impressed by the way it was run. It certainly gave me food for thought. It was decided, as this was very much a new venture, that we would hold the meetings on a bi-monthly basis for the first year, with a view to increasing it to monthly meetings if it was felt to be appropriate. We held our first meeting in November, where we sat and discussed what people wanted from the meetings. I have always been very clear that, while I am happy to help facilitate the meetings, it is not my group and that everyone there should be able to have some input.

 

At our meeting this month we had a mindfulness practitioner followed by an hour of discussion. I was really pleased with how the meeting went and how well it was received by the people there. For future meeting I have managed to arrange for an anatomy and physiology session, aromatherapy, reflexology, and very gentle yoga (with not a downward dog in sight!) Everyone I have approached has been incredibly positive and I have been humbled by people’s generosity and willingness to help. The Macmillan team from the hospital come along and they say that they are learning things from the ladies who attend.

The Future

 

While I feel that I don’t really need the support group myself, I get a real sense of satisfaction and pleasure from being a part of the group. I was determined from the start that I wanted the group to be meaningful and have a purpose, and so far I feel that we have achieved that. This year my daughter Alice is running the Brighton Marathon to raise money for our group, and to enable us to give a donation to Macmillan to say thank you for all the help they have given us and continue to give us. I have various ideas going forward and hope that the group continues to grow.

Cancer Care Map

Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There is a wide range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.

Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.

To find support groups and services in your local area, click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can enter key words to search for more specific services.

About Cancer Matters Wessex
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Pathway Navigators

Posted on by Keith Withers

Who are the Pathway Navigators?

You may not have heard of a Pathway Navigator before, but for people who have been referred to hospital with a suspected cancer, the Pathway Navigator has a really important part to play.

Pathway Navigators make a real difference to patients at the very start of their cancer pathway. They contact the patient when they have been referred for tests, and support them right up to the point of a diagnosis. Each Pathway Navigator will work in a slightly different way, responding to the individual needs of the person they are helping. This could include explaining how a procedure works, helping patients navigate the system, booking appointments, signposting to further information, or providing an important listening ear.

Pathway Navigators across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been recognised with an Innovation Award. There are now 29 in post across the region, covering a range of different departments and specialities.

Some of the Pathway Navigators already helping patients across Wessex

What do they do?

The navigator’s focus is to support patients to move through the first stages that follow a GP referral as quickly and as seamlessly as possible. They are the first point of contact for patients over telephone and email. They will follow up test results, book biopsy and clinic appointments, organise the waiting list, and work with other health professionals in the cancer team to make sure everything is in place for follow-up appointments.

One pathway navigator said, “a highlight for me is seeing patients come in and knowing I have spoken to them to inform them of their scan and that they are aware of who they can phone if they have any concerns or questions.”

The Pathway Navigator is not intended to be a clinical role, but they are proving to be a vital part of guiding patients through the hospital system.

How can they help?

In one encounter, a pathway navigator noticed that a patient had many concerns about their upcoming appointment and diagnostic procedures. In response to this, the navigator:

  • gave the patient information and reassured them about the planned investigations
  • arranged to meet the patient when they arrived at the hospital to accompany them to their appointment
  • organised a private room to be available in case the patient found being in the waiting room upsetting
  • accompanied the patient to their appointment with the consultant, where they were able to discuss what was happening at each stage

When the consultant advised that the patient needed a follow-up appointment, the consultant and the navigator were able to assure the patient that it was for further investigations and it did not mean that a cancer had been diagnosed.

When you receive a fast track referral it is important that you attend your appointment. This could be for a diagnostic scan, like a CT or MRI. We heard from one navigator about a grateful patient who had been worried about this:

“I supported a patient attending her CT appointment and then to a clinic. She kindly gave me a thank you card and said she would not have had the CT scan if I had not been there with her.”

In another example, a navigator saw that a patient needed an interpreter but had only been given a single appointment slot. They rescheduled the appointment allocating double the time to properly assess the patient and ensure they understood each step.

They arranged a Punjabi telephone interpreter for the appointment, who explained to the patient the next test that was required. Another appointment was needed for further diagnostic tests and again the navigator booked a double appointment slot, which the patient attended with their daughter. The Punjabi interpreter joined again on the telephone and stayed throughout the procedure in case they were needed.

Patients have said they feel reassured and supported by the pathway navigators, and staff in the hospital have noticed that appointments are offered more quickly and scans are reviewed more regularly – all of which makes for a better experience for patients.

How has a Patient Navigator helped you?

 

“It helps to prevent other issues because it reduces the stress on you, you don’t feel like you’re just being a pain asking questions”

 

“She mainly explained things and what would happen, what they would be doing and looking for and when etc – we talked it all through”

You can read more about Pathway Navigators on the Wessex Cancer Alliance website.

 

If you have been supported by one of our Pathway Navigators and would like to tell us about it, please Contact Us

Cancer Care Map

Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There are a broad range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.

Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.

To find support groups and services in your local area, click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can refine your search for more specific services, or browse the types of services available.

About Cancer Matters Wessex
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The Living Tree Cancer Support Group

Posted on by Keith Withers

The Living Tree is a registered charity, co-founded in 2012 by Jo Millar & the late Jo O’Farrell MBE. Based in Bridport, it offers friendship, creative activities, holistic therapies and relevant diet and lifestyle information for anyone with any cancer in West Dorset.

We offer mutual support, helping people cope with the fear, anxiety, isolation or stress that cancer can bring, by offering a chance to unwind. We share our knowledge and information about services and resources in the locality, and offer numerous regular activities throughout the week (such as swimming, ambling, table tennis, an allotment, a Friday drop-in) plus occasional workshops.

We began as a small group of like-minded souls in 2012, and with the help of a start-up grant from Macmillan Cancer Support, gradually grew into the large community-based support group which we know today. Right from the outset we experienced a flood of generosity from the wider community and have continued to have wonderful support from Macmillan.

Last September we celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a special exhibition of a selection of our creative writing and art, held in Bridport Arts Centre. During this incredible week we welcomed many visitors to the exhibition, which was opened by the Mayor during a civic evening in which we said thank you to many of those who have supported us over the years. We also held a celebratory “amble” around the town, had a poetry evening (in which we read a selection of poems written by members plus the late Jo O’Farrell) and finished with a party for members and friends.

Right from the start, creativity has been at our core. Jo O’Farrell and Jo Millar (who was working as a local GP at the time of discovering her cancer) developed their ideas for starting the group at a creative writing day for people with cancer, held at The Fortuneswell Unit in September 2012. They both believed in the power of creativity to heal, and were aware that West Dorset lacked a holistic lifestyle “cancer survivorship” group, so decided to start one themselves.

The “connectedness” with the community has been at the heart of Living Tree’s success, and this has recently been recognised by the presentation to Jo Millar of the “Above and Beyond” award at the 2023 Bridport Community Charter Fair, in recognition of her outstanding service to the community.

In addition, Jo has also been awarded a national Macmillan award at their recent “Thanks to You” awards ceremony which celebrates the work of volunteers.

Jo sees both awards as really being for everybody who has ever been involved in helping the Living Tree, including Jo O’Farrell, whose inspiration and legacy lives on.

Jo Millar with her Macmillan “Thanks To You” award, pictured with Tracy Street from Macmillan (far left), Paul Grant from the Living Tree and Abi Orchard, Lead Cancer Nurse at Dorset County Hospital

Jo Millar is standing down as Chair after nearly 11 years. The group are now seeking somebody to join the Board of Trustees with a view to taking on more responsibility in steering The Living Tree in the coming years.

If this wonderful charity is something you would like to be involved with, please phone The Living Tree on 07341 916976; or email via thelivingtreedorset@gmail.com

Visit the Living Tree Cancer Support Group website

Cancer Care Map

Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There are a broad range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.

Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.

To find support groups and services in your local area, click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can refine your search for more specific services, or browse the types of services available.

About Cancer Matters Wessex
Back to blogs home page

Meet Tracy: Cancer Nursing in Primary Care

Posted on by Keith Withers

I am Tracy Gallacher and I have recently joined Shore Medical Primary Care Network as Lead Cancer Nurse. Prior to this I worked as Lead Cancer Nurse for Poole Hospital and Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist.

My role is unique in that it is the first of its kind. I am very fortunate to be in a newly developed role as I can develop it to meet the needs of our local community. There are currently over 2,600 patients across Shore with a cancer diagnosis. For each person, their cancer journey will be unique, and the support people require may vary depending on their support networks. Part of my role is to ensure patients and their families feel supported within the local community.

 

My key aims:

  • Support and offer cancer care reviews to all patients with a cancer diagnosis
  • Signpost to the correct services ensuring they get the right support at the right time
  • Assessment of acute illness (cancer related) to ensure continuity, treatment support, admission avoidance or referral into secondary care
  • I am very keen to improve the links with secondary care ensuring seamless pathways and care co-ordination
  • Ensuring patients make informed decisions and opportunity to discuss their care – working closely with the palliative care teams to ensure advanced care planning is achieved
  • Referring into counselling teams

My other hat is:

  • Promote awareness that 4 in 10 cancers are preventable
  • We need to be diagnosing all cancers at an earlier stage – 75% of cancers diagnosed at stage 1-2
  • Encourage screening, and working with local communities to ensure people can access the right service at the right time
  • Working closely with Livewell Dorset to encourage lifestyle changes
  • Look at strategic goals and how we deliver these to our local community
  • Education of the existing workforce to improve knowledge and care
  • Raising awareness that in some cases cancer is now a long-term condition and patients should be supported to self-manage

 

Current projects:

  • Prostate screening for black men over 45s with a family history, symptoms
  • Auditing patients diagnosed as an early admission and seeing what we can learn to improve care and practice

Patient Feedback:

 

Hi Tracy

Thank you so much for your time last week when xxxx and I came to Heatherview.

We both found the session really useful and reassuring and I just wanted to thank you for putting in place the actions we discussed so quickly.

I spoke to Peter who completed the necessary paperwork for PIP (personal independence payment) and to Mandy who was completing the Blue badge application. I have received confirmation that the PIP application is being processed.

I also received a call from the hospital radiotherapy doctor who kindly did a telephone consultation about the radiotherapy referral as he was unable to see me for a couple of weeks in clinic and am just awaiting a scan date.

I can’t tell you how reassuring it is to have had everything dealt with so quickly and efficiently by all concerned.

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Exercise and the C’Fit Experience

Posted on by Keith Withers

We all know that exercise is good for us. But what if you’re a cancer patient?

Studies have shown that exercise is beneficial at all stages of your cancer journey. Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, Penny Brohn UK and Maggie’s Centres all emphasise the benefits. Search their websites for ‘exercise’ and you’ll find lots of information.

In 2018 several C’Siders (a Weymouth and Portland Cancer Support Group) wanted to regain and improve their fitness after having treatment for various types of cancer.

These C’Siders had taken the opportunity of joining the Stepping Out cancer rehab exercise scheme in Bridport, with fully-qualified instructors who could give professional advice about what type of exercise they should be doing, and how much.

This was an excellent start and they all felt the benefits, but it was clear that something closer to home was needed. There was also likely to be many others in the area who could benefit from a supervised exercise scheme specifically for cancer patients.

C’Siders worked with Osprey Leisure Centre in Portland and secured grant funding to train an instructor, hire the venue and provide equipment. The first session saw 14 participants signed up, confirming that there was a need locally, and new attendees continue to be referred.

C’Fit was born.

What do we get from C’Fit?

When you get a cancer diagnosis, you can feel that you’ve been put on a conveyor belt of appointments and treatments over which you have no control. The decision to join an exercise group is a choice made by the cancer patient rather than something specifically prescribed by the medical team, so it gives you the feeling of having some control over your well-being.

Cancer patients can join at any stage during their diagnosis, treatment or recovery, but they must first get approval from a member of their medical team to confirm that exercise is suitable for them. The weekly sessions consist of a varied set of exercises with each participant working to their own level of ability, closely monitored by the instructor!

The first 12 weeks of attendance are provided free to the individual. After the 12 weeks, you can continue to take part on an ongoing basis for a small fee, and many do. These fees, together with ongoing financial support from C’Siders, pay for the free sessions for new attendees.

Participants report an improvement in physical ability and confidence. One told us that after just a few weeks, he ‘doesn’t need his walking stick all the time now’. Another said they “wish the classes were more often”!

Some may decide to go on to other fitness classes or other types of exercise. As our instructor says,  “find an exercise routine or sport you enjoy, as that will encourage you to continue”.

It’s not just about the exercise

There’s a certain camaraderie in the group and lasting friendships have been formed.

There’s the comfort of knowing that it is supervised and that the other participants are, or have been, in a similar situation with some type of cancer and treatments. People can share their stories and experiences if they want, which can be very reassuring if you are feeling down or suffering side-effects – you quickly realise it’s not just you.  Participants report feeling “welcomed, supported and understood”.

So, maybe it’s worth looking in your area to see if there’s something suitable for you.  Or get something set up if there isn’t yet!

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Bob’s bladder cancer story

Posted on by Keith Withers

Bob wanted to share his cancer story as he felt it highlighted the importance of seeking medical advice and the benefits of early diagnosis.

Bob went to see his GP following some symptoms he thought needed to be checked out. The GP agreed she wanted his symptoms investigated further and arranged for him to have an ultrasound.

Bob then went on to have two further scans and following the third one, the specialist nurse confirmed that Bob had a growth in his bladder and that it was cancer.

Later that month, Bob had surgery to remove the growth. Through surgery, doctors discovered that the cancer was very aggressive, however not well advanced. Bob was told that if the cancer hadn’t been found at an early stage, it may have spread to other parts of his body. This only reinforces the importance of early diagnosis.

Bob then went onto receive treatment, the aim of which was to prevent the cancer returning. The treatment was regular for the first year and Bob described this as being “unpleasant and painful” a few days after each treatment session. Bob however, was adamant to complete his treatment after his nurse asked him if he wanted to continue “to me, there was no option not to” he said.

After the treatment, which lasted approximately 1 year, Bob was then asked to attend regular check-ups to monitor his bladder and check there was no recurrence. Bob has requested his check-ups are now maintained in three monthly intervals as he was not ready to wait six months in between appointments. His hospital team agreed to this and Bob continues to have three monthly examinations.

“The time from the ultrasound to surgery was only about two weeks. I thought this was amazing and a credit to the NHS and all those involved in my diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. I consider myself to have been very fortunate”.

If you have noticed something different about your body, you know your normal and it is really important that you speak to a GP. It might not be serious but if it is cancer, catching it early can make a really big difference.

We would like to thank Bob for sharing his experience. You can watch his video here:

 

 

Read more about the symptoms of bladder cancer on the Cancer Research UK website.

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Bob’s bowel cancer story

Posted on by Keith Withers

Having a bowel cancer diagnosis can be a daunting and scary time. Bob has kindly shared his experience of being diagnosed and treated for bowel cancer, to provide some reassurance for others that there is life after cancer.

 

Symptoms

Bob was feeling slightly unwell before a family trip to New Zealand in 2017. He was experiencing some constipation and suffering with stomach pains. Some medication helped relieve the symptoms but after the holiday, Bob went to see his GP because the symptoms returned.

The GP referred Bob for some investigations at his local hospital and in May 2017, Bob had a colonoscopy. The hospital asked his wife to come and collect him and before they went home, the Oncology nurse and surgeon spoke to Bob and his wife.

“I knew something was serious when they asked us to go into a side room and then told me that it looked highly likely I had bowel cancer.”

Diagnosis and treatment

Bob was surprised at his diagnosis because he only had the one symptom and considered himself to be healthy. He ate well, didn’t smoke or drink and was a regular gym-goer. The surgeon explained that there is no knowing who will and won’t get cancer and it is not something you can always pin-point or prevent. Bob was 68 when he was diagnosed.

In July 2017, Bob went in for his surgery, to remove the tumour in his bowel. His operation was carried out using a machine called the da Vinci robot.

“The surgeon checked that I fully understood what was going to happen and I felt very well informed. I just wanted the tumour out – I felt ‘grubby’ knowing it was inside me and was so relieved when it was gone.”

The operation was a success and they managed to complete the procedure without a need for a colostomy bag. They were also able to confirm that Bob’s cancer had not spread. Bob was then put onto four rounds of chemotherapy and some radiotherapy as well, followed by another round of chemotherapy which started in January 2018. When Bob’s treatment ended, he was given the all-clear and told that he didn’t need to be seen again for 6 months. Bob said it felt odd being told there was now a break in his appointments and so he started to attend a Dorset Cancer counselling group, which his oncology nurse had shared details of. He found the support to be extremely helpful.

“I still go to their monthly coffee mornings; it is a lovely group that I didn’t think I needed until I went.”

April 2022

Bob has been having 6-monthly blood tests and annual scans since his treatment finished and earlier this year, he had a colonoscopy that was all clear. He has been told by his cancer team that if his next round of blood tests and scans in July are all clear – then he will be discharged.

“I was a bit anxious when they said that which might sound odd, but it is like your support blanket is being taken away! I have a number I can call though, and I would not hesitate to seek advice from my GP if I noticed any changes in my health.”

Bob was keen to reassure people that might be putting off going to see their GP that cancer can be successfully treated, and he is enjoying getting back on with life.

Watch Bob’s video message here:

 

Visit our bowel cancer screening page to find out more about the national screening programme to detect bowel cancer in people who do not have symptoms.

 

Visit the Bowel Cancer UK website for more information about the condition, and how to support Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April 2022.

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