Relaxed forum at Living with Cancer day

Author Cathy McCarthy writes about the recent NECRET cancer information day at the Citynorth Hotel, Gormanston.

I attended the NECRET, Living with Cancer event in the City North Hotel which took place on Saturday 17th September.   Among the attendees are people and their families who have been affected by cancer.  People also attend who may not have been affected directly by cancer but who wish to learn more about the topic.    It is an open relaxed forum where people can hear from the leading cancer specialists in Ireland about the latest developments in cancer and what is emerging in future treatments

There was a great buzz around as people began to arrive for the afternoon session which commenced at 2.30pm.  There were representatives from the Irish Cancer Society, Arc Cancer Support, Cuan and the Garry Kelly Centre. A special area was set aside for massage and other complimentary therapies.  These were all free of charge and are always welcome to heal the soul.  
The afternoon was opened by Prof Bryan Hennessy, Consultant Oncologist at our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.    He welcomed everyone and said he hoped that people attending would find the talks helpful and interesting.  
The first speaker was Aine Lawlor.  She spoke about her diagnosis of HER2 positive and oestrogen positive cancer in 2011.  She spent a year in treatment, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  She was adamant that research and medical science played a major role in the treatment of her particular cancer.   She was on a drug called Herceptin, a very effective drug which specifically targets HER2 positive cancer.   She looks forward to the emergence of continued research and more treatments into the future. She is very grateful for her life and has little tolerance of those who sweat the small stuff. 

Next up was a panel of experts led by Prof Bryan Hennessy who answered questions from the audience.  There were various questions on the causes of cancer, what can be done to avoid cancer and other related topics.  Early detection is vital.  If you have worries or fears go to your GP and don’t ignore symptoms. 

One of the main organisers of the day Karen Healy had a question and answer session with Elysha Brennan, ex Rose of Tralee.  She spoke about discovering she had cancer some weeks prior to her Leaving Certificate.  She had to sit her exams and then undergo her treatment.  She is a very brave young woman, very engaging with a bubbly personality.  At present she is studying medicine. 
Tom Grant discussed the financial implications of cancer and how to seek assistance to manage this difficult period.

There was a welcome break for some refreshments.   People mingled sharing what they had learned so far.

The next speaker was Dr Reem Salman, Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon.  She discussed the various types of breast cancer and family history.   She again emphasised the importance of early detection.  She detailed how to examine your breasts.  Again there were some questions from the audience.  She spoke in a language that a lay person could understand.  I value this as like many people I have no medical expertise. 

I myself got the opportunity to speak about the journey after treatment, a subject very close to my own heart. Your treatment is over, you are supposed to feel elated, but you more often than not feel the opposite.  No one understands this, except those of us who have been through a cancer journey.  I penned together a piece called “Do Not Tell Me You Are Ok” which articulates the reality of coming out of treatment.  It is raw and says it as it is.  But there is hope in this piece in the last few lines 
I am not the person I was 
But with time, hope and light 
I will become stronger 
And learn to dance with life again

I was delighted too to meet people who had read my first book “Not The Year You Had Planned”.  They were also interested in my second book published in March of this year, “Stronger Than Yesterday” .  It is a book on how to live your life beyond adversity. 

Kathy Maher, Pharmacist, gave a very comprehensive talk on drugs and how they interact.  She emphasised how important it is to read the leaflet of any drugs you are administered.  It is vital also to speak to your pharmacist on drugs you are taking.   You can speak to your pharmacist in private.  She also gave information on the various drug schemes.  We all know how expensive medicines are and more than likely you are entitled to avail of a drug scheme. 

The penultimate speaker was Emer Lush.  She spoke passionately on the power of positive thinking and mindfulness.  She is a yoga teacher.  She believes we all have something to be grateful for at the end of each day.  Living in the moment is good for our health as there is no point of worrying about the future.  She was a very calm person.

Finally the closing remarks were delivered by Elizabeth Summerby, Clinical Nurse Manager, Oncology Unit, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda. She thanked everyone for attending the Conference.  She said it was encouraging to see so many people take an interest in the topic of cancer.  We all need support systems and it is an opportunity to connect with other people.

The NECRET Team did a great job in organising the day and we can look forward to a similar event next year. 
I must not forget to mention the many volunteers who helped to ensure the day ran smoothly.