Mum Joanne says thanks for helping cancer care with new job at Macmillan

SHE SAYS ROLE IS ‘AMAZING WAY TO SAY THANKS’

A MUM is giving back to the Macmillan professionals who cared for her by working alongside them.

Joanne Reid, 49, from Derby, was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in April 2017.

She had a mastectomy followed by six courses of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a round of 21 hormone injections.

The mum of two said losing her hair was “the most traumatic part”.

She said: “I was okay with the surgery, I understood the need for treatment, but to look in the mirror and not recognise the person looking back, was horrendous. I had no eyebrows and no eyelashes.

“I looked more like my brother. It affected my confidence and sense of identity.”

Joanne had worked in cancer service at the Derby Royal Hospital in administration and support roles, and then found herself visiting colleagues as a patient.

She added: “I worked in cancer services for 15 years but it was only when I became a patient that I realised how supportive Macmillan could be.

“I walked into that centre and it was just so warm and safe. Sometimes you don’t want to burden your family with everything, so it’s nice to know I had someone to talk to.”

Lisa Freeman, Macmillan information and support manager, helped Joanne to find a headscarf she felt comfortable in and provided emotional support.

She enrolled her on a Look Good Feel Better session which teaches women how to counteract some of the visible signs of cancer and treatment. Joanne said: “When I finished treatment I got this feeling that I wanted to give something back.

“I saw an advert for a Macmillan information centre assistant position and I thought what an amazing way to say thank-you and support someone else the way that I was supported.”

Joanne now works alongside Lisa in the centre, providing cancer information, practical and emotional support to other people going through the same experience.

She added: “I feel so privileged to be part of the Macmillan family. I think people connect with me because they see the head scarf and realise I’m in the same boat.

“And when I say I understand how it feels to lose your hair, I truly do, and I’ve felt the same anxiety and fear as they have.

“I hope that it gives them some hope that they can get through it, too.”

Sue Sanderson, Macmillan partnership manager, who recruited Joanne said: “Joanne is in a completely unique position to support people living with cancer because she’s been on both sides of the fence.

“Not only has she worked in cancer services for a long time but she’s Joanne with Macmillan information and support manager Lisa Freeman. Inset, Joanne with daughters Kate and Olivia experienced those services as a patient so truly understands how to help people find their best way through. I’m so pleased she’s joined our fantastic team of Macmillan professionals in Derby.”

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk