Sue's Story

“The Bristol Approach course started me on a journey which has totally transformed my attitudes not only to cancer, but also to life. I honestly can’t remember being happier than I am now.”

Before my diagnosis I was like a volcano erupting. I took it for granted that I was permanently exhausted from trying to combine my hectic schedule as a company director with being a Mum. I was like a zombie at weekends I was so tired.

After my diagnosis of breast cancer, it took a week for me to slow down enough from driving between meetings, to pull over onto the hard shoulder and cry. I was devastated. At age 43 I feared I was going to die, and that I would not see my children grow up. I followed my doctors recommendations to have surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and after treatment I feared a recurrence and had body image problems.

My mother told me about Penny Brohn Cancer Care and I came on the Bristol Approach 2-day course in May 2000. It started me on a journey which has totally transformed my attitudes not only to cancer but also to life.

I decided to eliminate as many things as possible from my life which could contribute to a recurrence and build in as many activities to boost my immune system as I could. I have now changed career and become a life-coach specialising in wellbeing. I use the complementary approaches of massage and reflexology and also regularly meditate to cope with stress – I have changed my eating patterns and now spend time preparing healthy food.

I have recognised I am a spiritual person and make space for this in my life. I exercise regularly and make time to do things I enjoy such as salsa dance and yoga. My health is now very good and meditation, exercise, spirituality and a healthy diet continue to play a vital role in maintaining my wellbeing.

SUE COYNE, 50
Life Coach, former Company Director; Mother of two; Stockport, Cheshire. Breast cancer diagnosed April 2000. No recurrences.