“The best medical team looking after your body, and Maggie’s looking after the rest of you.”
When Fi Oakes discovered a lump just weeks after moving to Teesside, she had not even registered with a GP. Now she is sharing her story to thank the teams who worked in harmony to support her through a breast cancer diagnosis.
Fi, 65, had only been in her new home a couple of weeks when she began experiencing bruising in her right breast. She assumed it was the result of carrying boxes during the move, but when the discomfort persisted and she discovered a lump, she sought medical advice.
Fi was referred to the breast care unit at University Hospital of North Tees, where further investigations confirmed she had stage one breast cancer.
She said: “The breast unit was fantastic and so reassuring. Kerry, the nurse I was assigned to, was wonderful and my surgeon, Mr Dave Fung, was amazing too. We felt completely confident that I was in the best possible hands.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been under the care of the breast care unit. There have been times when I’ve been worried about how I was healing, so I’d call the unit and they would say, “Come on in.” I never once felt they weren’t there for me, and that means everything.”
Visiting Maggie’s Middlesbrough
While receiving treatment, a nurse told Fi about Maggie’s Middlesbrough. The charity, based on the James Cook University Hospital site, offers practical, emotional and psychological support to anybody affected by cancer.
Having previously seen the support Maggie’s Newcastle had provided to her son, she visited the Middlesbrough centre to find out what help was available. Since attending, Fi has accessed a range of support services, including:
- Benefits advice
- Holistic therapy sessions
- Wellbeing activities
- Peer support
Fi said: “The moment I walked in, it felt so welcoming. Someone came straight over, asked if I was okay, and made me a cup of tea.
“In those early days after a diagnosis, it’s so easy to feel vulnerable and isolated. I had only just moved to the area and didn’t know anyone locally; my family and besties were miles away. Coming to Maggie’s is brilliant because it’s a safe space, and you can be completely open about what you’re going through.
“What worked perfectly was having my expert medical care paired with the emotional and psychological support at Maggie’s. I was treated at the hospital in Stockton-on-Tees and have access to Maggie’s in Middlesbrough.
“Having the best medical team looking after your body, and Maggie’s looking after the rest of you, and knowing both teams are working together for you. The support offered here is awesome.”
Maggie’s offers practical, emotional, and psychological care and support to everyone with cancer in the University Hospitals Tees area. For more information, visit the Maggie’s website.