Patricia’s story
Until recently Patricia Jones attended our Hafan Day Hospice in Newtown. She talked about her experience and how she benefitted from some of the complementary therapies available to our patients.
I developed breast cancer exactly 12 month ago. I had a mastectomy but the cancer has travelled so I now have it in my bones and in my chest.
Unless it’s connected to your family, your friends or yourself you really don’t think about the Hospice. I talk to my friends about it now and they have no idea. If I’m honest I didn’t give it an awful lot of thought but I was pleasantly surprised that the help was there.
I spoke to Dr Claire Stockdale. I said I really, really used to enjoy having reflexology on a regular basis, and Dr Claire told me to ‘come along and see what we can do for you.’
The very first time I went to the Hafan centre in Newtown I had an over whelming feeling of comfort. I have never been anywhere where I felt so welcome and so comforted, and it made me cry. It was just a feeling of a big hug when you walked in. Even the people talking to me, welcoming me and saying hello. They looked happy, relaxed and comforted and I just think it’s such a kind place to be.
I have been receiving treatments and I can say it’s really wonderful. I feel better afterwards and have an overall sense of peace and calmness that stays with me for a few days. I think I’d just like to carry Nan home in my pocket really and get her out when I need her.
I go just once a month at the minute as I have been very well. I’m just enjoying having reflexology so much. I wouldn’t give it up. It’s the contact and being accepted for what you are and who you are.
It’s not just the reflexology it’s someone being there so I can talk about things. Some things I can’t talk to anyone about but I can talk to Nan because she doesn’t know me so well, she isn’t as close. She’s got the caring side of things and she understands what I’m talking about, which is marvellous. I feel relief when I’m able to say what’s deep down. She knows what I’m going through as she probably sees other ladies in the same position.
It does give me other benefits as well. I’ve had a chest infection now for weeks and weeks which I was getting a bit worried about it but it’s relieving it. When I come from there I can breathe properly, it is medicinal as well as nice.
Don’t think about the centre as being a cut off point. It’s like a beginning because you’re starting to open up and accept yourself. The people there are just so kind. Everyone is so calm and together which gives me the next step so I can go home calm and see what the next month will bring.
