Antrim woman praises local cancer charity’s blood cancer support group after incurable diagnosis
Cullybackey native, Margaret Hamilton has praised the invaluable support received from local cancer charity, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland for helping her through an incurable cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2018, Margaret was at a loss of where to turn, she searched for support and learned about the Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Myeloma Support Group, a service that has been running successfully in the Northern Trust since October 2023.
Margaret said: “Living with cancer is so difficult, especially when you are dealing with the reality of an incurable diagnosis. The Myeloma support group has become an incredibly important part of my journey, it’s a place outside of my family where I can be open about my fears and worries with others who know exactly what I am going through. The group has helped me to talk openly about cancer and come to terms with it along with having the privilege of offering support to others. We are all in this together.”
It has been one year since the Cancer Focus NI Myeloma Support Group began and it has become a safe haven for local survivors. The group welcomes over 40 people at every meeting, answering a clear need after it was identified by the Northern Trust that local patients had nowhere to go for advice and support from others in a similar situation. The trust asked for the local cancer charity’s support in setting up the successful Myeloma Support Group.
Reflecting on the group’s first year, Valerie Magowan, Group and Nurseline Professional Support Officer said: “A cancer diagnosis turns your world upside down. It is so important for local people to have a safe space to share their story with others in a similar situation and to process their emotions around their diagnosis and treatment. Over the past 12 months evaluations have shown group members feel an overall improvement in wellbeing and a reduction in isolation and loneliness, along with a greater understanding of their illness and treatments.”
Kerrie Sweeney, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist and group co-facilitator added: “It has been lovely to meet patients and their loved ones outside of the hospital setting and learn more about what is important to them. The support group gives individuals an opportunity to meet and learn from others in a similar situation. We are extremely grateful to the many health professionals who have given up their time to come along to the groups and provide information and tips on key topics such as myeloma treatments, managing side-effects, fatigue, finances, diet and exercise.”
Cancer Focus services are in high demand, and make a huge difference to people, just like Margaret, across Northern Ireland. Just £59 pays for one hour of a Myeloma Support Group, providing vital support to local people dealing with a devastating cancer diagnosis, and the local cancer charity relies on the support and fundraising from the public to continue to provide these vital support services.
The next myeloma group will be on the 26th November in Ballymena, for more information or to sign up contact Valerie Magowan at valeriemagowan@cancerfocusni.org.
