Read what members think of our Headstart group.

The following stories have been handed over to either Pauline or myself after the last two meetings. They can be signed or unsigned, and have not been edited in any way. if you would like to include your very own, "What does Headstart mean to me story?" then please email us or jot down your thoughts after any event meeting or perhaps at your next hospital appointment when you may see one or more of the professional care team.

If you would like to make a comment on these stories, then please do so in the same way.

Story no:1

MY FIRST MEETING. I felt a wonderful warm feeling of being welcomed , for "me" - not as a cancer patient and being treated as "normal" and a great feeling of new found friends. Pam x

Story no:2

We like to see how otherpeople are progressing and keep up to date with them. it show us, we are all survivors. Also, there are the cakes.

Story no:3

Generally allows me to network with people who have a very similar condition, relate to their experiences, discuss any issues they've had and solutions they've come with up.

Story no:4

My husband Duncan & I (Sue)look forward to the "Headstart" meetings. It gives us a chance to meet people who are suffering or have suffered from cancer. It is a very happy & jolly get-together and a chanceto meet people we have met before & we can can check on their progress.

Story no:5

"Headstart provides a golden oppurtunity for meeting people who have had similar head-and-neck cancer experiences. It's good to feel that one is not going through this in isolation."

Story no:6

Why I attend the the headstart Support groups.

I find these meetings both informative & supportive. it is helpful to meet other people who have gone through similar situations & dicuss our problems. The nursing staff ie. MacmillanNurses, speech therapists & Dieticians are always there to cheer us along & you leave these groups feeling uplifted. We enjoy the raffles & quizzes & & of course the tea & cakes! My husband always comes along to & he can discuss with other partners/carers how they have coped with their partners condition.

Story no:7

To socialise with & provide mutual support for others with head & neck cancer - an oppurtunity to meet up with professional "friends" A larger leaflet for headstart would be welcome - choice for patients & carers whether to receive pamphlet or folder & at what stage. As we know, we are all different. A folder could be useful for all the leaflets, etc.

 

If you would like to include your own thoughts on Headstart, please jot them down and hand them in to any OC member, or email them directly to headstartnews@gmail.com.