Mum shares powerful cancer journey to mark International Nurses’ Day

A mum of three has spoken about the vital role our Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) have played since her breast cancer diagnosis to mark International Nurses’ Day (Tuesday 12 May).

Mel Switters was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in November 2016 after finding a lump during one of her routine self-checks. This type of breast cancer is harder to treat because it doesn’t have the receptors that many treatments target.

The 53-year-old, who lives on the Isle of Sheppey, said: “I checked my breasts regularly. When I checked in August 2016 there was nothing. Then in October, I found a lump.

“When I was diagnosed, my first thought was: ‘How can this be happening to me?”

Since then, Mel has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and multiple operations, including a double mastectomy with breast reconstruction in September 2018.

After being diagnosed with metastatic* breast cancer in March 2023, Mel was given a prognosis of 12 to 18 months to live. Three years later, she says she refuses to let statistics dictate her future.

“Don’t assume cancer is a death sentence,” Mel said.

“Yes, my life changed in 2016 but in that time, I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve worked on my mental health with a clinical psychologist, set boundaries, and started a blog on Facebook to help others. I want to live – and I will.”

Cancer patient Mel Switters with Medway Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Helen Woodward

Mel is full of praise for Macmillan Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Helen Woodward, who has supported her since her metastatic diagnosis.

“Helen and the rest of the Macmillan Metastatic Breast Team at Medway Maritime Hospital are the first port of call for questions, tearful conversations, and huge mental support,” Mel said.

“She provides guidance whenever possible, and finds answers to my questions when she doesn’t know something immediately.

“My advice to anyone else going through cancer is never be afraid to call your CNS – you’re not causing a fuss. Just knowing Helen is there certainly makes me feel better.”

Our Macmillan Metastatic Breast Team’s role is to help patients live well, even when their prognosis is difficult.

Helen, who works alongside another CNS and a Clinical Support Worker (CSW), said: “Our mantra is that quality of life is vital.

“We want people to keep doing the things they love with the people they love — and open communication with their CNS means we can support the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients like Mel.

“Patients meet so many people throughout their cancer journey. A CNS becomes their constant, someone who knows them, what matters to them, and can be their safe space.

“Yes, it can be upsetting giving or witnessing bad news, or seeing someone struggle physically or emotionally, I’m only human. That’s why training and professional support to do this role are so important.”

It was following her mother’s diagnosis of metastatic melanoma in 2013 that Helen decided to become a CNS.

“My mum was so unwell but we didn’t know what to look out for or who to contact,” Helen said.

“She never wanted to ‘make a fuss’. After she died, I decided I wanted to help families like mine — people without medical backgrounds who need someone to guide them, reassure them, and advocate for them.

“Being a CNS is a very honourable position. No two days are ever the same. I really enjoy being there for people. I can’t always fix things, but I can listen — and hopefully bring a little laughter when I can.”

Following patient feedback, our breast and bowel metastatic cancer nursing teams, alongside the psychosocial team, created a Metastatic Cancer Support Group to help breast and bowel cancer patients during a difficult time of their lives.

Helen added: “The groups offer a safe, welcoming space for patients living in Medway and Swale, who are living well with advanced bowel and breast cancer, to share some of their difficulties but also their successes in terms of how they are trying to live their best life despite their diagnosis.

“The fact they can meet people who have a similar diagnosis to themselves and can truly understand what they are going through is massively important. The meeting is also an opportunity for them to find out about the support available to them and their family.”

The group meets at Twydall Community Centre, Beechings Way, Gillingham, and at The Bay View Public House, Leysdown Road, Leysdown-on-Sea. For meeting dates, times and guest speaker details, email medwayft.metastatic.events@nhs.net

*Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from its original site to distant parts of the body, making it more challenging to treat and manage.

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