'You've got to get up in the morning and be positive'
MUM-of-two Sheree Taylor doesn't think she'd be alive today without the support of Helen Lee.
READ MORE: Health support group makes a difference
The 47-year-old from Killamarsh experienced strange symptoms five years ago when she started to see disturbing images, felt sick and felt exhausted - and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She said: "I saw a purple pixie with my husband's face on it, and then when I was out shopping I saw a train track with my friend's face on it.
"My doctor thought it was epilepsy and it turned out I was having fits. I later had a scan and was told I had a brain tumour. I remember crying – I didn't feel right."
Sheree had to take on board the shocking news that, although the tumour could be shrunk with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it could not cured.
But Sheree was comforted by Helen Lee who gave her a piece advice that has sustained her in the difficult times.
"She told me: 'You've got to get up in the morning and be positive'. If Helen hadn't said that I really don't think I'd still be here."
The next day Sheree got up and decided to tell the tumour what she thought of it.
"I was shouting 'You're not going to beat me!'
"I don't know what anyone would have thought if they'd have heard me, but from then on I've been positive about it."
Sheree deliberately decided not to ask doctors how long they expect her to live, preferring instead to take life a day at a time.
"I live for the day and just think you should do everything you want to do," she said.
Friends and family have given Sheree tremendous support and have been inspired to raise around 6,000 for charities.
Regulars at The Crown pub in Killamarsh have taken part in various events, including dressing up as Rolf Harris - Sheree's favourite celebrity - for a walk around the village. And they have also joined Sheree in creating a CD of songs called Crown Jewels which is being sold for 5 at the village post office to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Support Group.
"I've been helped so much and coming to the group makes a difference - I feel I am not on my own," she said.
The support group also helps carers to cope with the physical, emotional and psychological impact of seeing a loved one's health deteriorate.
Ann Leak's life was turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed last year with a brain tumour.
Until then Christopher, 57, had a good job as a security manager and travelled thousands of miles around the UK each year for work.
He was working in Blackpool when he had a fit and was at first diagnosed with epilepsy, before further investigations found he had a 'grade four' brain tumour - the most serious type.
Christopher underwent 12 hours of surgery but his condition cannot be cured, and his health is deteriorating, which means he needs constant care.
Ann, 49, from Swallownest, said: "There have been so many changes. Christopher needs constant supervision. I cannot leave him even to go in the kitchen."
But the support group has made a tremendous difference as Ann is among friends who appreciate the emotional challenges of seeing a loved one deteriorate, and the strain of dealing with the practicalities of caring for someone with a terminal illness.
She said: "I can talk to other carers and it is helpful to be able to talk to other people who understand what it's like."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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