Chris was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2022 having noticed he’d developed difficulties with swallowing. Chris underwent an intensive course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leaving him with uncomfortable swelling around his neck triggered by a build-up of lymph fluid.
Chris, who runs a successful online art business with his wife, was diagnosed with throat cancer in summer 2022 having noticed he’d developed difficulties with swallowing. Chris underwent an intensive six-week course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leaving him with unsightly and uncomfortable swelling around his neck triggered by a build-up of lymph fluid. He was experiencing a condition called lymphoedema which causes swelling in the tissues of the body.
Chris, 56, was referred to Thames Hospice by his Oncology Team in order to access our Lymphoedema Services. Our specially trained Nurses work with patients to draw up personalised care plans. Lymphoedema cannot be cured but with the right treatment and advice it can be managed really well. And Chris is proof of that!
Chris says: “Coming into Thames Hospice has been so good. I’ve received great care all the way through and was offered help when I really needed it. I was aware of the charity before this but didn’t know they offered Lymphoedema Services.
“I think it’s wonderful the service is here and that you’re able to offer it to people not accessing other Hospice services. For me it was important to fix it because it was a very visible side effect – not just from a medical standpoint but also a confidence one. I could see the benefit of treatment very quickly and that had a big positive mental impact.”
Chris’ treatment has involved deep oscillation therapy, which helps stimulate circulation and reduce swelling, as well as support with self-massage and self-care which encourages the movement of fluid, easing his symptoms.
“Coming into Thames Hospice has been really effective for me,” Chris explains. “I feel very well looked after here. All the staff are friendly and I always feel better when I come out. I know in some ways the cancer will always be there, but now I can return to my life before.”
Our services are free of charge to all those in our community who need vital hospice care but this is only made possible through the charitable support and generosity of our amazing community. We need to raise £34,000 each day to fund our services 365 days a year to the people who need us most.
We’ve never needed you, our wonderful supporters, more than we need you today. Please donate what you can to help keep hospice care available for those in desperate need.
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