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Member Testimonials
Read real life stories from our members and see what Bosom Pals means to them.
"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt anxious and isolated. Then I found Bosom Pals. Through shared stories, I found strength and resilience."
Nichola
Bosom Pals Member since 2018
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt overwhelmed with anxiety and isolated. Then I found Bosom Pals, from the first meeting I was welcomed with open arms, and love. Through shared stories and experiences I found a sense of strength and resilience.
The monthly meetings and Facebook page have helped me navigate treatment and recovery with hope, there's always someone available for help and advice, who truly understands what you're going through, through the private online Facebook group page.
The ladies that run the group work extremally hard and bring in professionals for talks on very relevant topics such as coping strategies, wellness and self-care. They arrange fun and exciting activities for the group to partake in if they wish, both inside and outside of the monthly meetings. I have made friends for life through bosom Pals, I am so glad I found them.
"I'd say to anyone that's unfortunate enough to get the diagnosis to really think about joining the group, you very much realise you're not alone during that horrendous time. "
Julie
Bosom Pals Member since 2019
My name is Julie, in Oct 2019 I was getting undressed to have a shower when I noticed that my right breast had completely changed shape. At first I thought maybe it was my bra being to tight, so there I was in the shower jiggling my breast around trying to get it back to shape.
Of course when I came out and realised it was still misshapen I sort of knew that it was Breast Cancer.
The following day I saw the nurse at our doctors and straight away she said she'd refer me to Southend Breast unit.
Of course I was very anxious about the appointment, on the day I saw a consultant who had a feel around, sent for a mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy.
Within a short time I was called back into see the consultant, I could see two nurses sitting in there so straight away I knew it wasn't going to be good news.
I was told that I had Breast Cancer and that I needed a mastectomy as the tumour was taking up most of my breast. I was told they didn't know what treatment I'd need after that.
Obviously I was really upset and so anxious I felt sick.
I opted not to have reconstruction as I'd have to wait around 4 months for the surgery, I just wanted to get rid.
I then went into a private room with my Breast Care Nurse, much of what was said that day is still blur to me, although I do remember her giving me the details of Bosom Pals.
I joined this lovely group straight away and couldn't believe the support I got in no time at all, I do needed that as when you're diagnosed you feel so lost, lonely and scared.
I suppose we all think about Cancer at times in our lives but when you're told you have it it's just so devastating. I can't begin to explain it.
I had my surgery and had a lot of problems with healing, but the unit was so kind to me and of course I had the lovely support from all of my Bosom Pals.
I was lucky that I didn't need Chemo, but Radiotherapy which I found to be fine.
I'd say to anyone that's unfortunate enough to get the diagnosis to really think about joining the group, you very much realise you're not alone during that horrendous time.
We have monthly meetings, and some really fun events all arranged by Bosom pals.
Thank you so much everyone for your continued support, I don't know what I would have done without you all behind me.