Corinne’s Story

Supporting Me To Be My Best Self

From Corinne’s Perspective

I am sorry to admit that I had never heard of Saint Catherine’s until I needed them.

When the NHS support services stopped and I was left with painful, debilitating and life-altering conditions, the team at Saint Catherine’s were there, ready and waiting with their knowledgeable and nurturing support. They took me into their care and helped me on my journey to be the best version of me – and for that I will be forever grateful.

In January 2024 I was diagnosed with an aggressive tumour which occupied a large section of my throat. The 15 hour operation involved the removal of the tumour via a full neck dissection and jaw split to access the area, as well as a free-flap procedure taking tissues from my arm to fill the void that had been left in my throat. Radiotherapy followed to target any remaining cancer cells as it was not possible to achieve clear margins due to the size and complexity of the tumour.

All treatments completed, I was left with dramatic visual scars, significant scar tissue deep in the structure of my throat and to add to the impact, lymphoedema and fibrosis.
The left side of my face was solid with fibrosis from under my eye all the way down my cheek, my neck and to my collarbone and shoulder. The lymphoedema sat on top. The right side had fibrosis in pockets and the front of my throat had such significant fibrosis and lymphoedema that there was no definition between my chin and my neck. A full collar of discomfort surrounded my neck, making it near impossible to move my head.

Not satisfied with taking this as my new normal, I pushed for my clinical support team to look into options for me. With no NHS lymphoedema service provisions in my area, I was referred to the Lymphoedema Out Patient Service at Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough. Here, I came under the care of Lymphoedema Specialist nurse Lindsey Lister. Her supportive nature, specialist knowledge and determination to help and make a difference, has, quite honestly, been life changing.

From the beginning, Lindsey’s approach was kind and caring, always putting me at the centre of everything she did. She taught me and happily shared her knowledge with me. She showed me the techniques to impact my lymphoedema and required drainage, the use of Deep Oscillation and the PhysioPod machine to target the fibrosis. She worked diligently each session, gradually breaking down the hard masses and relieving me of pain and discomfort. She showed me how to move lymph away from the key areas, helping to reduce the risk of infection from the stagnant fluid and reduce the build-up of fibrosis. She gave me movement back in my face and neck.

Always with her reassuring manner, Lindsey worked hard to achieve life-changing results for me. We laughed, we shared stories, I shared worries and concerns… She gave reassurance. I did not have expectations when I first attended Saint Catherine’s, but I did have hope. Hope that something could be done to allow me to look more confidently towards a future living with lymphoedema. Together we showed that was indeed, absolutely possible.

Lindsey also understood how other services at Saint Catherine’s could be of benefit to me. She referred me to Lesley Hodgson, Complementary Therapist and specialist in scar management. Lesley used her comprehensive knowledge and advanced techniques to help breakdown the debilitating scar tissue that tethered my head, neck and shoulder, restricting movement and causing pain. Lesley’s kind and gentle approach was much appreciated and the knowledge that she shared with me will be put to good use even when the one-to-one sessions have come to an end.

The care that is shown by the whole team at Saint Catherine’s is noteworthy. The warm welcome, the smiles and acknowledgements from team members while you are visiting, the well-maintained facilities and grounds…everyone plays their part. Their dedication and support is commendable and, maybe most importantly, their ability to see me for who I am. There is an underlying acknowledgement of everything that I have been through to get to this very moment.

I was privileged to be welcomed into the Saint Catherine’s Hospice family and the impact they have had will always be with me as I continue my journey to be my Best Self.

Thank You. For Everything.

Corrine