Art therapy for cancer patients in Co Down

Cancer Focus  is providing the service, free of charge, for cancer patients in Downpatrick and the surrounding area at Downe Hospital each Wednesday from 19th April to 14th May from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Bernie, who is from Ardglass, found the service extremely valuable after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Married to William and with three sons, William (21), and twins Ross and Caelan (18), she said: “I’m a very strong advocate of art therapy. I don’t think people realise how beneficial it can be and I’d like to help get that message out to other people going through a similar journey to me.

 “I was diagnosed in March 2012. I’d had an idea that something wasn’t right - I had an indentation on my breast but my mother was ill with Alzheimer’s and I just moved her to live beside me. There was too much going on and I felt I couldn’t cope with any more at the time, so I decided to deal with it at a later date.

“A few months later a mobile breast screening unit came to Downe Hospital so I went along. About two weeks later I was called for a check-up by Belfast Trust. I was shocked at how many women were waiting for scans – there were at least 10, of all ages, in the waiting room with me. You just don’t realise how many people are worried they may have cancer until you’re in that situation.

“That day I had a scan and a biopsy and they told me there and then that I had cancer. It was such a shock - I just hadn’t expected it, I never imagined it would be full-blown cancer.

“I went into survival mode. I had my two sisters with me and we went shopping afterwards – it was a bit surreal. There I was with cancer and I was shopping. Later that night my neighbour came over and we had a party. I thought, I’m nuts, but I suppose it was a way of coping and distracting myself.

“I come from a large family and they were all devastated by the news but everyone has been so supportive. I’m the first person in our family to get cancer.

“Telling my husband and the children was tough. I didn’t want them to be worried about me. One son was at university in England and I waited for him to come home before I told him.

“In April 2012, I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed at the Ulster Hospital and the surgeons and nurses were fantastic. I got out the next day and recuperated at home.

“I had a flight booked for a holiday in Lanzarote with my sisters the day I was due to start chemotherapy. The oncologist said to go.  It did me good, getting away, I was able to distance myself about what lay ahead.

“I started treatment the day I came back, and all of a sudden the realisation of what was facing me hit home. I hadn’t cried until then, but the flood gates opened. But, I got over myself and moved on.

“I had six treatment in all, one every three weeks, and coped pretty well although there was a lot of discomfort, pain and nausea. After that there was three weeks of radiotherapy at Belfast City Hospital. I’ve had a few complications and I’m now on Tamoxifen for five years.

“Mum died in May last year, which was heartbreaking. Even coming home from chemo I’d go and stay with her stay overnight. There was so much I had to be strong for.

“Although I’ve enjoyed various therapies during my illness I hadn’t heard of Cancer Focus’s art therapy until I read about it in our local paper.

“My husband’s an artist himself and encouraged me to go along. At first I felt like a like a fish out of water and hadn’t a clue what it was all about, but I got on like a house on fire with Carol, the facilitator, and the other people there. I began to realise how much it would help me.

“I began by just scribbling something down – some of the others were doing beautiful pictures, though you don’t have to be able to draw or paint to come along. I could have a cup of coffee, relax and chat. We told each other our stories, if we wanted.  Some were really sad, especially when there are young children in a family. You feel your own predicament isn’t so bad - at least my boys were older.

“It is good to be in a non-hospital environment - a chance to forget yourself and get away from your own situation at home. There’s space for my inner self, and it’s calming when other things in your life are in turmoil. Those two hours every week are a real escape.

“It helped me get my feelings out of my system. I was able to talk and not feel I was burdening anybody. Cancer Focus also has creative writing and journaling too, for anyone who prefers that.

“I started doing collages and I just took off. I felt able to express myself. Things came out that I didn’t even know were there. One beautiful sunshiny day we went to the beach and gathered driftwood as I wanted to use it to make a Christmas tree.

“I’ve decorated mirrors with driftwood and made various other things - anything that comes into my head.

“Now I’ve decided to lose some weight and have joined a slimming club and am motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I’m feeling good, though I can get days when I’m zonked. I do have the dread it might come back but you have to stay positive and keep going.”

Caryl Steele, Art Therapist with Cancer Focus, said: “You don’t need to be artistic or have any experience in art to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. Art therapy can help people communicate anxiety or stress. Many of those taking part find the creative process relaxing and they can unwind while chatting to others who are in a similar situation. 

“We know that cancer affects everyone differently. It can make people feel that they have lost control, increase feelings of isolation and can often lower a person’s self-esteem. However research has shown that creating art can have a positive impact - improving a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and coming to terms with the disease and the future.”

  Cancer Focus’s Art Therapy sessions are entirely confidential and take place in a safe and caring environment. All materials are provided free of charge and those taking part can use a variety of mediums such as paints, pastels, pencils or clay.

 To book a place please call Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected]. For more information visit www.cancerfocusni.org.