The challenge to live a normal life

By BARBARA WARD

The past year has been one of extreme emotions for Balderton woman Jackie Chown (37). She has fought a battle with cancer, got married, and discovered an inner strength to carry her through.

Jackie, of Rowan Way, found a lump in her breast in July last year.

After tests cancer was diagnosed but she was told she had a 1.7cm tumour and would need only a lumpectomy, allowing her to retain the contour of the breast, and some nodes removing from under her arm.

Unfortunately, after the operation at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and a worrying wait for results, it was discovered she had a much larger tumour and the cancer had spread.

“That was the worst news. I was told I needed a mastectomy,” she said.
“It seemed I had a death sentence hanging over me.”

Jackie, who runs her business, Astro-Insight, from home, had the next operation in October when surgeons removed a 10cm tumour from her breast and lymph nodes from under her arm. This was followed by a gruelling course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and physiotherapy on her arm.

Jackie has nothing but praise for all the medical staff she has come into contact with, but says: “I’m very sceptical of how accurate the tests are.”

Throughout the year Jackie has continued running her business compiling astrology charts, giving tarot card readings and relationship counselling.

She says: “It gave me focus. In my work I help other people with troubles and who are going through a difficult period in their lives.

“I love my work and get a great deal of personal satisfaction from helping people.
“Through the dark days it helped me to keep my problems in perspective.”

Only a short time before Jackie’s cancer was discovered she met teacher Mr Pete Hayward (52). The couple married in December.

She says: “The cancer made us closer as a couple. Pete has shared the whole journey with me and is a good, strong positive influence in my life.”

The couple have just returned from a belated honeymoon, a two-week Caribbean cruise, during which they renewed their wedding vows.

Despite tiring easily, Jackie is determined to live as normal a life as possible. She and her husband have taken up ballroom dancing.

She says: “I do think there’s an element of luck-of-the-draw to getting cancer. It’s easy to become obsessive, but I have chosen to carry on as normal.

“It’s the quality of life that matters to me. I enjoyed life before and I am enjoying it even more now.”

Jackie and her husband have begun writing a book about their experiences from a carer’s and sufferer’s point of view and hope it will inspire others.

Jackie continues to have regular check-ups and blood tests but won’t allow herself to look too far ahead.
She says: “The challenge is to live a normal life and not to let anxiety and fear take over.”

ABOVE: Jackie Chown of Rowan Way, Balderton, who is recovering from breast cancer. A220806MW2-3

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