A CancerCare client who turned to us for support after her breast cancer diagnosis has put her best foot forward to help raise vital funds.
Michelle Scott-McCullough took on this year’s Coniston to Barrow (C2B) Walk as part of Team CancerCare. Walney resident Michelle was diagnosed with stage-one grade-three Her2+ breast cancer at the beginning of November 2023. She’d found a lump in the side wall of her breast in 2020 but was relieved when biopsies revealed that it was non-cancerous. However, Michelle’s worries were reignited in April 2023 when the lump began to grow.
“I could feel It was getting bigger, but I was told that it was nothing to worry about as I’d already had a biopsy and a scan,” Michelle said. “I went away for the most amazing family holiday for my 50th birthday, and on my return, I had a letter offering my first routine mammogram; I joked to my family that I was old now! Cancer was picked up during this routine appointment and I was officially diagnosed in November 2023.”
Michelle’s treatment consisted of six rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and a course of radiotherapy. She visited CancerCare for aromatherapy, reiki, and, later, lymphatic drainage massage, all with CancerCare therapists Stacey and Liz.
“I also completed the online mindfulness course with David Faratian,” said Michelle, who formerly worked for Family Action and had referred service users to CancerCare in the past. “The charity has been so supportive. My sessions were a chance for me to do something for myself and clear my mind. I’d been worrying a lot, and my sleep had been affected. I was given calming tactics, and I was able to reassess and it helped me keep my positive outlook. The lymphatic massage has helped with my lymphedema in the breast, which can be quite painful at times.”
Michelle walked the C2B for the fourth time—her first for CancerCare. She prepared for the challenge with friends and fellow C2B walkers from Dalton Leisure Centre Ladies via walks around the local area.
“I’m not as fit as I was pre-treatment, but I’ve started lifting weights again and getting as many walks in as I can,” she said. “I chose to walk for CancerCare to give something back. It’s been amazing to know that these services are available to people who need them — not just for me but for other people and families. The support is so holistic, and I know that if we don’t do our bit to fund it, it might not be there for others.”
Post C2B, Michelle said: “I had so much cramp but managed to get through it with a lot of support from my friends, other walkers and supporters.”