Janice’s story
Janice is one of our dedicated volunteers at the King’s Lynn Support Centre, and having been involved for a while now, wanted to share her volunteer story…
Janice is a fantastic part of the Big C family. Her daughter, Tonia is the Charitable Operations Area Manager at our King’s Lynn Support Centre.
In 2014, Janice, her then boyfriend, Eddie and her daughter Tonia began attending Slimming World. It wasn’t until Eddie started losing a lot of weight very quickly that they began to notice something might be out of the ordinary. Shortly afterwards, he began having swallowing difficulties.
After a doctor’s appointment, Eddie was sent to have an endoscopic procedure and then biopsies and on that same day, he was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer. This outcome hadn’t even crossed Eddie or Janice’s minds and was a huge shock to them all.
Following his diagnosis, Tonia brought Eddie and Janice to the Norwich Support Centre in the grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital so they could access advice, information and support.
It was discussed whether Eddie could have surgery, but unfortunately, this could not go ahead, so he began chemotherapy to shrink the tumour. His consultant gave him the prognosis that without chemotherapy, he would be able to live for another 6 months, with the chemotherapy, he could live for another 9 – 18 months.
During his treatment, Eddie had a stent fitted to help him continue eating as normally as possible, however, he lost about 7 stone. This was the thing that struck Janice and one of the hardest realisations. Eddie was a man who loved his food and Janice loved to cook for him so it was hard on them both.
In March, Eddie had his birthday and at the same time, he was admitted to hospital to have another stent fitted. Being in hospital helped with his pain management but he really just wanted to be at home.
Eddie proposed to Janice that summer and in November 2014, they were married. They had a lovely day but Eddie only managed to stay until 7pm.
During Eddie’s treatment period, Janice recalls attending Big C support sessions in the Kings Lynn Centre, including the weekly men’s group, drop-in sessions, tea and cake with other centre visitors as well as seeing a welfare advisor and having some helpful relaxation sessions. As Eddie’s carer, Janice attended some complementary therapies, chatted with people in a similar situation and the team helped her acquire things that she needed to look after Eddie at home which made such a difference.
Eddie passed away in May 2015, 9 months after his initial diagnosis. Janice recalls him being frightened but he was a strong person, he never lost his hope.
Following Janice’s experience with Big C, she wanted to get involved by volunteering. She know helps at Big C’s King’s Lynn Centre talking to people that visit the Centre, making them feel at home and offering a cup of tea.
“The understanding, help and compassion Big C gave was marvellous. I still volunteer and help with fundraising events. If it’s going to help, that’s why I do it.”
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