Patient story

Sisters Christine Creasy, Susan Chappin and Mandi McSwiggan from Abbots Langley, made the harrowing decision to have their breasts removed to protect them from cancer after watching the disease kill their mother and sister. With reconstructive surgery, the support they have given to each other and the care received from The Hospice of St. Francis they have regained their confidence and made it their mission to inspire women in the same position.

With that in mind, they now take on a new challenge and to support The Hospice of St Francis they have signed up for the 2008 ‘Walk with the Stars’ women-only midnight walk. All three ladies believe that taking part in this fundraising event will not only be rewarding to them but hopefully encouraging to others.

Their stories….

CHRISSIE, 47, has a history of cancer in her family starting with the death of both her parents in their mid forties when she was 21 years old. This sad loss resulted in her bringing up a family of six children on her own. 16 years later, she then lost her sister Angie, aged only 34, to breast cancer. Then in 2003, she was devastated to find a lump in her own breast and was later diagnosed with cancer. This resulted in Chrissie having a radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, the drug herceptin for two years, her other breast removed, full reconstruction as well as the removal of her ovaries. Fay Richardson, one of The Hospice of St. Francis Specialist Home Care Nurses, has supported Chrissie throughout her journey – regularly visiting her at home to provide practical and psychological support at a very difficult time. Fay also arranged for Chrissie to utilize other Hospice services, such as much needed reflexology from the St Francis complementary therapists, as well as meeting with the Hospice Social Worker to ensure that she was financially supported when she could not work. Fay says ‘Chrissie is an amazing, positive and upbeat lady. She has always bounced back no matter what she had to face. She is a great example to other women who face a similar situation’

The wonderful healthcare combined with the support of friends, family and the St Francis Home Care Nurse, Fay, means that Chrissie has taken a positive approach to beating the disease and now she lives a happy normal life with her much loved family.

SUSAN, 41, married to Andy with two children, has like her sisters, been affected by cancer within her family since she was a teenager. Having three members of her family suffer from breast cancer at young ages put her at high risk, so she was offered the chance to undergo genetic testing. However, the results were inconclusive. She and her younger sister, Mandi, were then offered the chance to reduce their risk of cancer by having a double mastectomy. After serious thought and weighing up the advantages and disadvantages they both agreed to the surgery. Susan now feels great relief in knowing she has done all she can to help reduce her chances of developing this life threatening disease.

MANDI, 38, lives with her partner Matthew and daughter, Violet. Together with her sisters, Mandi knows how hard it is to watch the ones they love endure so much suffering and pain as a result of this awful disease so she did not have to think twice about saying yes to the double mastectomy. Mandi says “We are all faced with difficult decisions and unwanted obstacles in life but I feel a huge one has been removed from mine and I can get on with enjoying life!”

Fran Martin, Events Organiser, Walk with the Stars says “We are delighted that the girls are taking part. These amazing and brave ladies have faced countless difficulties and overcome many obstacles. They are a true inspiration to us all – they are our St Francis Stars!”