My name is Katie Boylan and in February 2017 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was a huge shock to me and my family as I was only 35 years old at the time. I hadn’t been well for a good 6 months with stomach issues and eventually they sent me for a colonoscopy to make sure nothing sinister was there, but unfortunately there was. I remember so clearly when the surgeon told me the news, he said that there was a growth in my bowel but never actually used the word cancer so I just presumed there would be surgery to remove this “growth”. So when he started using words like “chemotherapy” and “radiation” I was in shock, I looked over at my mum who was with me, she roaring crying and I realised how serious this was.
I think I was in shock for weeks; my treatment didn’t start straight away as I went straight into hormone therapy to freeze my eggs which was very emotional. But it was in the HARI unit in the Rotunda where I learned about the local cancer support places around the country and that’s where I found The Purple House.
I still remember the first time I rang the Purple House; I was crying so much I couldn’t get the words out. The girl on the end of the phone was so lovely and caring and encouraged me to call in one morning to meet the counsellor Eimear and I could learn more about the services they offer.
Myself and my Mum called out a few weeks later and we both spoke with Eimear and the girls on reception talked me through everything else that the Purple House did and how I might be able to use their services. денежный займ на карту срочно круглосуточно
From the minute I walked through the door I was met with empathy and understanding but also everyone was so warm and friendly. Everyone has been touched by cancer here so they understand what it’s like.
I had reservations about calling out to a support group as I was afraid we’d all just sit around and talk about cancer and our feelings all day but it’s not like that at all!! I have had reflexology, acupuncture, counselling, weekly relaxation classes and I have even joined a creative writing class which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
There were times when I was too ill to make it out to Purple House and there was no pressure to attend anything which I found very comforting and supportive. I knew they were there in the background anytime I needed them.
I started chemotherapy in March 2017 but unfortunately in June they realised that the chemo didn’t shrink the tumour so I had to switch to a more aggressive weekly chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy every day for 6 weeks and I was given a temporary colostomy bag. By this stage it was stage 4 as it had spread to my liver but thankfully treatment worked to shrink the main tumour and in November 2017, I had a 9 hour surgery where the surgeon successfully removed all of the cancer. Along the way somewhere I ended up with damage to my bladder so I have had to have another operation to fix this which is not fully sorted so they’re now looking at referring me to London to sort this properly.
But the main thing is I am cancer free and I am so grateful to be alive and to have got through all of this.
I am also so grateful to everyone in Purple House for everything they did for me during the difficult time. If anyone is diagnosed with cancer, I would encourage them to call in and meet with the team as they really will support you in any way they can.
If we can help you or someone you know, please contact us on 012866966 or email info@purplehouse.ie
