Just Say Cancer

As the New Year dawns, We hope it is filled with the promises of a brighter tomorrow.
Wishing you and yours health and happiness in the new year.

I finished breast cancer treatment almost one whole year ago. During my 12 months of treatment I promised myself that I wouldn’t get back on the hamster wheel afterwards, stressing about work, dashing around between school collections and afterschool activities, juggling household chores, and all the planning that comes with all of these things. It was inevitable that life would speed up again to some extent after recovery, and especially after returning to work. However I also know that I have gone through too much to forget that my own self care needs to be up at the top of my priority list, though this is sometimes easier said than done!

To that end I spent the weekend before last on a wellness/self care retreat in Dzogchen Beara, hosted by James P White and a team from Cork Cancer Care Centre . I had 3 whole days to focus on what's really important (me!). We did meditation, gentle yoga, mindfulness, reiki, massage, self-reflection, journalling, and walks around the stunning countryside. We shared group meals, experiences, laughter, and tears. We spent time apart and together. We listened and shared. We lived in the present moment, and throughout it all, we healed ourselves and each other. I’ll always hold the experience close in my heart, and I have already booked my place for the next retreat from February 23rd to 26th 2024, just in time for my next reminder to slow down, do less and “Be” more!

, Cork Cancer Care Centre are currently taking bookings for the February retreat at 021 4949090.

Gráinne 🥰

A huge thank you to Bank of IrelandBank of Ireland for their amazing donation of UR Munster Rugby Memorabilia signed by all the players. Consisting of a large photograph, rugby jersey and rugby ball to raise vital funds for the Cork Cancer Care CentreCork Cancer Care Centre
To support just click on the link below

Win Signed UR Munster Rugby Memorabilia iDonate.ie - Win Signed UR Munster Rugby Memorabilia

On world lung cancer awareness day, know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and catch it early.

Lung cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Ireland, with almost 2,700 people being diagnosed each year.

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After I was diagnosed, I found it really hard to say “I have cancer”.

For months whenever I told someone, I cried. Saying it out loud made it shockingly real. And the impact it had on other people, their shock, awkwardness, and the head tilts, confirmed that this thing that was happening to me was truly awful.

I used to practice saying it in the mirror “I have cancer, I have cancer, I have cancer”. Gradually, along with invaluable help and support, it got easier to say, the tears stopped, and soon the words were flowing off my tongue to people I barely knew, leaving shocked randomers in my wake while I obliviously went about my business!

I am now lucky to able to say “I HAD cancer”, and in my new era of self-care and simplifying my life, I have even used it as an excuse … “I'd love to help out but I'm too tired, I had cancer”; or “I would organise that, but my brain is scrambled, since the cancer. What can people say to that! Every cloud …

What did I learn? It’s ok to just say “Cancer”.

Love
Gráinne❣️
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Hi, I’m Gráinne and I am an Ambassador for Cork Cancer Care Centre. I first started using its services last year while undergoing treatment for breast cancer and their support has been an important part of my recovery.

I was diagnosed in November 2021 and the 12 months that followed were a blur, sometimes I wonder if it really happened, but my scars (and the length of my hair!) assure me that it did! Now that I’m looking in the rearview mirror I feel so lucky that I found my lump when I did..... and that I acted on it! It would have been so easy to stick my head in the sand and convince myself that it was nothing….where would I be now, I wonder! It’s so important to know your body, know the signs & symptoms, and act on anything that doesn’t feel quite right!

I started 4 months of chemotherapy just before Christmas 2021, Santa still managed to visit, and we had a quiet but precious family Christmas! I had 2 surgeries in summer 2022, followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy, and a few more months of preventative injections, bringing treatment to a close exactly 12 months after it started. It all felt very surreal, like an alternate universe, but I stumbled from step to step, supported by all the amazing people around me. Counselling, holistic therapies and peer support at Cork Cancer Care Centre all helped me to discover my post cancer self.

I am excited to be here, grateful to be cancer free, and I learned a lot along the way …

1. There are lots of very kind people in this world.

2. We all need support when times are tough, even if we think we don’t.

3. Time really is precious…. I bought myself a watch when I finished treatment as a constant reminder of this.

4. We are all stronger than we ever imagined we could be, and we are even stronger together!

5. We’ve got this!

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Cork Cancer Care Centre VOLUNTARY CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE FOR ALL THOSE TOUCHED BY CANCER, THEIR FAMILIES AND CARERS.

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We are delighted to have Marilla back in our centre tomorrow with our Connect and Flourish group.
Speaking on Oncology nutrition – including reducing your risk for developing cancer. How to nourish and support your body if undergoing cancer treatment to optimise energy, maintain weight and reduce toxicities from the treatment.
Or perhaps you have completed cancer treatment and are now interested in nutrition to support recovery from the long treatment journey, replenish energy and vitality and most importantly gain information on diet and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of recurrence.

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We are delighted to announce we will be celebrating our 10 year Anniversary Ball on the 1st of October at the 5 star Kinsale Hotel and Spa. An event not to be missed, it is our main fundraiser of the year as we celebrate and have an amazing night.
Fantastic entertainment featuring the fantastic Cork Legend Conor O'Shea " The Loungeman", internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and cancer warrior Brian Kennedy , and rounding the evening off with D.J. Ant of Generic People.
We have a complimentary bus to and from the Kinsale Hotel and Spa .
Tickets are €100a fantastic night is guaranteed!
Please contact our office (0214949090) to arrange your bookings, you can pay by card or cash or and can be purchased online on our website shop
https://corkcancercarecentre.ie/product/tickets-10th-anniversary-ball/

Cork cancer care centre supporting the community.

A few remaining tickets to our fantastic 10 year Anniversary Gala Ball.
Contact the office to book your place

ATTENTION
Calling all ladies (and gents!)
Would you like to run, walk or jog the Mini Marathon in aid of Cork Cancer Care Centre? Help us to continue to support people on the journey with cancer, and their families.
We appreciate all the support shown to us by the people of Cork and beyond
Please share