Kirsty's story

Friday

9.15am

I arrive full of nerves at Breast Cancer Care's central office near Southwark. I needn't have worried – as soon as I join a table of women chatting, I'm welcomed into the fold.

12.45pm

We've had a medical update from Breast Cancer Care's Clinical Director, Dr Emma Pennery. She had a lot of information to get through and my head is spinning. But she answered a question I had always wanted to ask, which was great.

3.00pm

The first of the break-out groups. I chose 'Talking to Children' as I haven't been clear how to explain things to my inquisitive three-year-old. It’s good to talk and share experiences.

4.30pm

Laughter yoga! This activity is a combination of laughter exercises, yoga breathing and playfulness. Incredible how a man we had never met before could get a room full of menopausal women laughing so much. It reminded me how easy and beneficial it is to laugh.

8.30pm

A very jolly dinner at the hotel we're staying at. Everyone is so upbeat and friendly. I really like these women.

 

Saturday

11.30am

After our break-out group on menopausal symptoms I realise that I'm getting off lightly in comparison to other women. I also learned about ways of reducing the side effects, and the differences that may occur in an age related ‘natural’ menopause compared with a treatment induced menopause.

1.30pm

After the session on healthy eating, I'm glad to have a dietician’s answers to people who want me to eat spinach for dessert. I respect those who opt for particular diets, but I'm happy to have my food choices backed up by sound science.

3.30pm

A lovely relaxation session following our break-out group on exercise and wellbeing. I reckon I can manage the exercises suggested, and even remember to do my arm stretches.

4.00pm

I feel sad to say goodbye to the friends I've made here. We've exchanged email addresses, and I don't feel so alone with my diagnosis anymore. And the people at Breast Cancer Care have been fantastic. I can't believe they laid it all on, free of charge. I'd recommend it to anyone.

 

See our Younger Women’s Forums event listings to see when our next forum is taking place.