Denise loves to talk!
So… writing came naturally and sharing her life experiences was something she just desired to do, to help others.
Since experiencing breast cancer, she has dedicated her time to raising awareness around cancer and fundraising, working with various charities.
She has been a Charity Ambassador for her local NHS, L&D Hospital, and is a Voluntary Fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Unit. Denise also works with the Association of Breast Surgery on International projects raising funds for low middle-income countries, with Dr. Ruth James.
She has spoken to over a thousand women at a Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Race for Life event as a Media Volunteer and has also campaigned in parliament with her local MP to raise awareness in health education, which became part of health prevention in Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education.
Sharing her story particularly to help younger generations to learn from is her main goal.
Mentoring is Denise’s passion along with speaking at women’s awareness groups and schools; which are part of her charitable work.
In her downtime, she likes to keep fit and travel. Reading and learning more about philosophy and the Law of Attraction and hope to write further self-help guides.
Let’s come together
is her mantra!
Here is the first chapter from my book, which also includes other survivor stories and tips!
What Cancer Means to Me!
Every cancer experience is unique to the patient. This is my experience and my way of saying thank you to all of the amazing professionals who’ve taken such great care of me.
On World Cancer Day, I want to tell you what it means to me in the hope that I can inspire more people into action.
World Cancer Day will always be a significant day for me… Why? Well, my first operation to remove my breast tumours fell on that day, Thursday 4th February 2016. I remember thinking to myself, of all days, my operation had to be on this day!
On reflection it was a good thing because, as a Cancer Research UK media representative, I managed to place an article on the Race for Life website, as I was preparing myself to tackle their 5K after my treatment was finished, which I did three days after my radiotherapy, my second year taking part. I felt very proud when I completed the 5K, and I also had the opportunity to talk to 1,000 women on stage about my experience, encouraging early detection and breast cancer awareness. On the day of my operation, I saw my update appear on their page, and all the messages of love and support started to flood in, which spurred me on.
My tumours, albeit small, we’re in the left quadrant of my breast, and the surgeon who worked with me discussed my options. I decided on a breast mammoplasty reduction-style surgery and was extremely delighted with the result, but most importantly the margins were clear of cancer. On 19th January 2017, I had symmetrising surgery on my right breast.
I have been treated at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Breast Cancer Unit and was so impressed with the overall care and multi-disciplinary team approach, which consists of your dedicated breast care nurse, surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, and pathologist, not forgetting the ward nurses. My dream teams!
Another NHS establishment that was part of my overall treatment plan – twenty-one days of radiotherapy – was at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. My time here was a real awakening for me. I was collected every day by a contracted hospital taxi firm and they certainly brightened up my day! Very caring, thoughtful, and funny gentlemen – they made such a difference.
Whilst at Mount Vernon I had time to process my cancer experience, and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and life-affirming feelings grasped me. I met incredible staff and women, and I have to say, it has changed my outlook on life! I saw humility and kindness beyond measure, something I will not forget in a hurry.
I remember watching a clip on YouTube of Lisa Schwartz, MD, MBA. She says:
“I think the triumph is defined by the patient, because there are some patients that will go through their treatment and they will have been so changed by that treatment emotionally, that they’ll go back on and give back to the community, inspired by the lessons they’ve learned and for them, that’s their triumph!”
Well, this is my story of triumph, and my way of saying a massive thank you to the L&D breast cancer ‘team’ and our wonderful NHS.
My wish would be that somewhere in this story you find something that will help in some way. Or indeed, if someone you know is going through cancer, it may help them too!
Thank you! Be well.
The proceeds from this book are going to charities that I support.
Here is the link to my book
You can contact Denise via her website www.denise-coates.co.uk
-Team Ws
