You’ve seen the doctor and you’ve had the news. You have cancer. The doctor then proceeds to tell you about the cancer, about treatments available, about chemotherapy, about radiotherapy, about immunotherapy. They tell you about the various tests that you will have. They tell you about scans you may have such as X-rays, CTs, MRIs, PET and Nuclear Medicine. You zone in and out from what they are saying. You don’t understand the medical terms they are using. You’re not hearing them. You only hear the word cancer. The next few hours, days and weeks are a bit of a blur. You will go to one appointment after another. You’ll go to where you are told and go when you are told to go because the doctors know best, and this is what will help you. Your body is reacting to everything that’s happening but where is your head? What about your thoughts and feelings?
This is where I come in.
Support with emotions for patients and their loved ones
I am a Cancer Support Coach, a trained professional who provides support to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. I understand that sometimes it can be tough to open up and share your feelings with others. Talking to me gives you a safe, non-judgmental space to express yourself freely. You can take the time you need to go through what you are feeling, and I will be here to listen with empathy and understanding. My goal is to provide you with a supportive environment where you can feel heard and validated, as well as providing you with tools to help you cope with the present and build resilience for the future.
My background
My name is Samantha Holt and I have spent the last 34 years working in medical imaging in hospitals. I started my career at Guys & St. Thomas’ Hospital in London where I stayed for 14 years before moving to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (part of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust) in Birmingham. During my 18 years there, I worked across four sites, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital. My youngest patient was only a few days old and my oldest – to date – was 96 years old! Cancer has played a big part in my career, as approximately 70% of my work is cancer-related. I see patients who have just been diagnosed, those undergoing treatment and those who have completed treatment but require regular follow-ups. Due to this, I have witnessed a wide range of emotions and have offered a listening ear and a comforting cup of tea on many occasions. And the need to talk isn’t always from the patient. I have sat with relatives whilst their loved one was having a scan, comforting them, and listening to them, allowing them the (sometimes only) time to say how they feel – scared, hopeful, positive, in denial…
I still work part-time in a hospital in Birmingham alongside building my business, Back To Life Cancer Support. I have volunteered for St John Ambulance for the last ten years, playing an active role in training others to become first aiders. I love working with and helping people.
Support for anyone affected by cancer
www.backtolifecancersupport.co.uk
Email: backtolifecsuk@gmail.com
Phone: 07341 195741
