Page 8 - She's One Crazy Lady!

8
Glennis a“
Foreword
Dr Roy Matthew
Consultant Clinical Oncologist / Clinical Director for Oncology and Haematology 2012 – 2015:
BSc. MBBS FRCR (LON) DMR (D&T)
I am very pleased to write a Foreword for Glennis’s book.
It is very rare that a treating doctor gets involved in the
day-to-day life of their patients, for generally a doctor’s role is to give appropriate advice during the long course of treatment and the immediate period when active treatment has ended.
nd her team did a sterling job when it came to dealing with the emotional side of living with a diagnosis of
Glennis came under my care after her initial surgical intervention in 2002. I saw her in clinic to discuss her impending radiotherapy and can recall that she came across as one who was not afraid to ask questions. In such situations a doctor will be very cautious with words and explanations given but as I got to know her she was able to change my cautious guard into long and open discussions. So much so that she asked if I would like to get involved with the activities of a breast cancer charity she was setting up.
As the most Junior Consultant in the department at that time I told her I needed time to think it over, unsure as to what the protocol was in such a situation. I did, indeed, discuss her request with colleagues, nursing and management staff. There were a few who encouraged this but a bigger contingency were very negative and ‘anti’ me getting involved.
However, another thing that struck me about Glennis was her persuasive ability and, having found out a little more about her reasons for setting up a charity, I made the decision to show my support and for over fifteen years was very proud to be associated with Crazy Hats as their President.
I knew this was a very difficult time in Glennis’s life and knew of the struggles she had in trying to return to her position as Headteacher – a position she had achieved just months before her diagnosis. Her courage and strength in coping with such adversities shone through.
Working with Glennis was an eye-opener for me. Although the NHS provide the right treatment following a devastating diagnosis it is impossible for them to provide the holistic care which is needed and essential. Glennis noticed this need and through Crazy Hats, stepped in at the right time to try and remedy this gap and to support the NHS. Patients openly told me how valuable the charity was for them and how they looked forward to the weekly support group and therapy sessions it then ran.
canc”
er.
Glennis and her team did a sterling job when it came to dealing