Impressive cancer care centre is jewel in the health service crown
Sep 28 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal
As a world-leading centre for cancer patients opens in the North East, health correspondent Helen Rae gets an exclusive look around.
The patient's story
MOTHER Leanne Chambers knows all too well the importance of the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.
The 37-year-old from Ashington, in Northumberland, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer on May 11 this year – a date etched firmly on her mind.
Mrs Chambers’ mother died of cancer when in her 50s and the thought of herself, husband Barry, 37, a Nissan product manager, and son Thomas, 13, going through the illness was heartbreaking for the family.
Mrs Chambers, who today starts a blog on her battle at www.journallive.co.uk/blogs, said: "When I was told I had breast cancer I was shocked and couldn’t quite believe it. I felt like it was the end of life as I knew it and I would never be the same again.
"The only thing I could think of when I was told was my son Thomas and my husband. I knew they would be devastated. Barry was very upset and Thomas became quite clingy, but they have both been a wonderful support to me."
The directorate admin manager added: "The staff at the centre have been fantastic and the services on offer are amazing. It’s great to have a premises like this in the North East."
Since her diagnosis, Mrs Chambers has had a mastectomy and undergone chemotherapy sessions. She is expected to make a full recovery.
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