‘Sometimes it can be hard to ask for support but I’m so glad I did’
THealtho mark this year’s Men’s Week, Michael Israel, a client of Chai, spoke to us about his experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis, his treatment, the side effects and Chai’s pivotal role. Aged 60, he was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in December 2020.
“In September 2020 I discovered a lump in my parotid gland, a salivary gland located below my ear. I just knew that something wasn’t right. After a visit to my GP a few weeks later, I was immediately referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at UCLH.
“It was a difficult journey and, following numerous blood tests, scans, and biopsies, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in December.
“I began chemotherapy on December 27 and cycled to and from all six rounds. My last chemo was on April 13 and I am currently in remission. Hearing this news felt amazing, as I believe every day is so special. However, follicular lymphoma is not usually considered to be curable and is viewed as more of a chronic disease.”
Speaking of how he came across Chai, Michael says: “I have been involved with Jewish charities all my life and I drive past the centre regularly, so I always knew it was there. But it was my friends who encouraged me to get in touch.
“Being diagnosed at the height of the pandemic meant that I wasn’t physically able to come into Chai but this didn’t affect the level of support I received. Nicky Phillips, my client services manager, called me regularly to check in. It was so reassuring hearing her voice. I have found the side effects from chemotherapy extremely challenging, especially as I was a food and wine advisor for many years. My taste profile has completely changed, so the sessions over the phone with Chai’s nutritionist/ dietician, Lana Pinshaw, were extremely valuable. Luckily my taste is slowly improving but other side effects from my chemo included hair loss, weight loss, tooth decay and changes to my bowel movements.
“With the easing of lockdown restrictions, it meant I could come into the Chai centre and I was actually one of the first clients back through their doors. I was so impressed with the beautiful building, gardens and the warmth and welcome from everybody there. I am now benefiting from reflexology with Marion Nathan and healing with Michael Hartzel and Anton Shaw to help me deal with the impact of my chemotherapy.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Chai — their ongoing support and care throughout my cancer journey has been absolutely amazing. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for support, especially for a man, but I’m so glad I did!”
Chai’s ongoing support and care have been absolutely amazing’
HOW CHAI CAN HELP
Complementary therapies to help with the side effects of treatment Specialised counselling support Dietary advice, personalised to your treatment needs
Practical advice about employment law, the benefits system and easing the financial burden and implications of cancer
Exercise and gym