New support group for lung cancer patients in west Hertforshire, based in Watford, is a lifeline for sufferers (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

New support group for lung cancer patients in west Hertforshire, based in Watford, is a lifeline for sufferers

11:23am Wednesday 7th October 2009

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A SUPPORT group for lung cancer patients in west Hertfordshire has become a lifeline for people suffering from the disease.

Started just four months ago by Linda Charalambous, Wendy Ogle and Claire Taylor, both Macmillan specialist lung cancer nurses who work at Watford General Hospital, more than 30 people now come together once a month to receive information and advice and discuss the effects of the illness with other patients.

The group, based at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in St Albans Road, Watford, is primarily funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, which awarded the group a £500 grant when it was established in July.

Linda said that in nine out of ten cases smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer and kicking the habit has had different impacts on two members of the support group.

Len, 74, from Kings Langley, was diagnosed with the disease in January 2007.

He stopped smoking 17 years ago, having started as a 14-year-old boy, but he also worked for more than 17 years in a boiler house, which he believes contributed to his illness.

He said: “I still consider it [quitting smoking] as one of the finest achievements in my life. I was determined that I no longer wanted to smoke.

“Being diagnosed is a very strange thing because you see it on television. The wife and I saw the doctor and when he told me I cried and my wife cried. That's the impact it had on me.”

However, when Melvyn, 59, from South Oxhey, was diagnosed in November 2008, he said he “didn't bat an eyelid”.

He had smoked for 48 years but stopped when he had heart surgery. Seven months later, doctors told him he had lung cancer.

Then on January 14 this year, Melvyn had a lobectomy - surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his lungs.

Melvyn said: “I wasn't in shock when I was diagnosed. I was coughing up blood so they took an x-ray. I knew immediately there was a growth.

“I stopped smoking when I had to have heart surgery. If I hadn't given up, I wouldn't have been so uncertain [about what caused the disease]. I think some people have to be weaned off it rather than stopping it dead in its tracks.

“Eighty per cent of the time you cannot operate so I'm one of the lucky 20 per cent. They say I'm in remission now but you cannot be sure.”

Both men have undergone chemotherapy, while Len also received radiotherapy treatment.

And they have praised the work of the group, which has helped bring people suffering from the same illness together in a comfortable environment.

Melvyn said: “This group is absolutely fantastic and it needs all the support it can get. The more people that can be encouraged and helped, the better off people will be. These people are bringing their close friends and relatives with them. It's not just for patients, it's for the people around them.

“There are some people who do feel isolated when they get it and it stops people feeling isolated. It's helping to build people's confidence.”

Visitors can also take advantage of free massage sessions provided by The Peace Hospice, while there are often guest speakers at each meeting.

Linda said: “A lot of them get support from each other. They come here and speak to each other, to people who have something in common.

“It's a lot of hard work but it's worth it.”

For more information, email info@whht.nhs.uk or speak to a member of your healthcare team.

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