AMOENA (UK) LIMITED

ABOUT AMOENA (UK) LIMITED

Bosom Pals is a group who’s aim is to provide support for anyone who has suffered from Breast Cancer and their families and friends.

I was 32 years old when diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985 and although I had a very supportive husband, I found there was nowhere to go to get help and advice on the “unknown”, no support where to get bras, swimwear, support to answer worrying questions. No one to talk to who understood all my fears. I was very lucky, as I mentioned I had a supportive husband and a positive outlook and continued to windsurf and play badminton and lead a normal life. I felt as if I was the only one with this condition but carried on, had up days and down ones, also tears but got through.

Some years later in 1994 whilst working as a receptionist at Bedford Hospital I was working alongside Brenda Gilbert who worked on the WRVS helpdesk, when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 1993. I told her about myself and helped her through it, she said without my help and support she didn’t know how she would have coped as no help was still available. I did on one occasion attend Cancer Care but felt this mixed group was not for me, I am sure it helped many people but not myself.

Bosom Pals is a self help and support group for anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. We meet monthly in a relaxed, informal and friendly atmosphere and provide emotional support, practical advice and information. This is achieved with the professional help and support of the Primrose Centre’s Breast Care Nurses. Meetings usually include guest speakers and demonstrations on interesting topics.

. If you don’t have internet access you can contact their Information and Support line on 020 7351 4480. They will send you a free information pack. LSN is a registered charity run by people who live with lymphoedema and is the largest information provider about the condition in the UK.

This is for newly diagnosed patients, those receiving treatment for cancer and those in the initial post-treatment period. It is from 10am to 3.30pm on Tuesday’s but you can go for just part of the day if you so desire. You can stay for lunch (£5 donation) but everything else is provided free of charge including complementary therapies. It is a rolling programme covering a wide range of topics and you can start at any time within the course and there is no obligation to do all 12 weeks. Visit their website bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk and click on Pop-in Day for more information.