Support key

In the lead-up to Relay for Life, O¯ taki woman Jay Lilley was keen to share her experience with the Cancer Society.

Jay was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2018 after a regular mammogram, followed by three biopsies.

‘‘I had one tumour in my left breast and two in my lymph nodes; all three came back as cancerous. This came as a bit of a shock as two years earlier a mammogram showed I had been clear. Within that two years I had developed cancer and it had spread to my lymph nodes.’’

Jay can’t emphasise enough the importance of regular mammograms as without it her cancer would not have been detected. Over the next nine months she had chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, and the Cancer Society provided invaluable help.

‘‘I was given a stool for the shower, an electric La-z-boy chair to make it easier for me to get in and out, counselling, an opportunity to attend a support group for people who had also been going through a cancer journey. I received transport to and from appointments and treatment, often the driver going above and beyond taking me shopping as well when I was unable to do this myself.’’

Jay received regular contact and visits and was encouraged to call whenever she needed to. ‘‘I can’t praise the Cancer Society enough for their support, encouragement, empathy, understanding, reassurance, and treating me like a normal person, not someone with a death sentence. As I live alone and don’t have family nearby I really appreciated the input of staff and knowing they were in my corner willing to fight alongside me.’’

Jay will attend this year’s Relay for Life, joining fellow survivors in the opening lap.