Page 21 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov 2020_Neat

socks, blanket, earphones and anything that If you are a member of the Group Insurance
will help you pass the time. Keep a record of “
your symptoms and inform the nursing staff, Scheme you will be entitled to receive support
who will be able to provide you with the
medication to prevent the symptoms
beginning. via Red Arc. They have dedicated staff
After treatment you will feel a little
under the weather and fatigued to start trained within the fields of various cancers
with and gradually, over the course of the
week, you will find yourself not wanting or and can offer you support. I cannot
able to do a great deal. This is the time to
rest and limit the amount of contact you recommend them enough.
have with people outside your home, as you “
will have a low immune system. Drink plenty
of water – I was told tap water was the best
as it will help flush out the treatment.
something like the old me that I knew. My
Radiotherapy hair prior to cancer was long, however, I took
The hospital will supply with a barrier control of knowing that at some point I
cream. Use it. It will help cool the reddening, would lose it and decided to have it cut at
help with the itching and keep the area various lengths in preparation for chemo.
moisturised. After your treatment has been
completed you will be advised not to sit out Wigs/hats/scarves – the hospital I attended
in direct sunshine and protect the area provided you with a voucher to obtain a free
which has had treatment. Always use a high wig. I attended Wills Wigs in Bromsgrove.
factor sun cream. Their rooms are private with an
appointment system in place. The ladies
Counselling were very kind and caring and made the
If you are a member of the Group Insurance experience as pleasant as it can be. I have to
Scheme you will be entitled to receive say I bought a number of different wigs in
support via Red Arc. They have dedicated different colours and lengths. They also sell
staff trained within the fields of various beanie hats which are brilliant to keep your
cancers and can offer you support. I cannot head warm. You will find your head will get
recommend them enough. cold. The hats are soft and are extremely
I was allocated a nurse called Mary comfortable. I think I must have bought
Stapleton and she was amazing. She was most of the shop!
able to answer the questions I had which I Sam during her treatment. Sam adds: “There are various charities
hadn’t been able to ask my consultant and Finger and toe nails – no false nails. Nails that you can access and groups when you
helped me understand what happened at can go black but I kept them painted a dark are ready and there are a number of charities
each step. colour which helped visually. that will send you gift bags which will have
Red Arc are also able to offer counselling hand creams, tissues, moisturisers, boiled
and did six sessions over the phone to Free prescriptions – you can obtain a form sweets etc.
prevent my immune system being placed at from your GP. You may also be entitled to “Throughout your journey you will get
risk. obtain a Blue Badge. upset, sad and worried. They are all very
The Police Federation also has a facility normal reactions. You will look into the
that may be able to offer some support to Macmillan – they can provide you with a mirror and see someone you don’t really
your nearest and dearest. Sadly, there is grant of up to £300 to cover costs such as recognise. This is the new you. You have
little out there for family to obtain help and the purchasing of new underwear after walked through something that anyone
support. Your family will want to remain treatment, fans and transport. They also would dread. You’ve attended appointment
strong for you but they too may have many offer financial advice and whether you may after appointment, allowed nursing staff to
unanswered questions and feel distressed be entitled to make a claim. I found the lead you through the unknown and you’ve
about the situation you all find yourselves service they offered invaluable. come out the other side
in. “It was at this time I asked for some
Below, is some of Sam’s advice on Contact the Federation – they can advise alternative therapy and I was provided with
preparing for surgery and chemo which she you if you are unsure if you are able to make Reki, massages, and an Indian head
hopes some will find useful: a claim from the Group Insurance Scheme massage. It allows you to rest and relax and
and access other services. helps in your continued road to both
Dentist – attend your dentist explain that physical and mental health.”
you will be having treatment. I was able to Hair - sadly, it is likely you will lose your hair, If you want a copy of Sam’s advice sheet,
obtain a fluoride toothpaste and and not just on your head. I personally had please contact her on Samantha.hughes@
mouthwash. Prevented mouth infections my eyebrows micro bladed and I have to say polfed.org
during chemo. it was the best thing I could have done. It l See Page 27 to find out more about
may sound vain but it helped me feel Sam’s role as a Fed rep.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation October/November 2020 21