John's story

John felt increasingly unwell and in pain so attended A&E where he was given a diagnosis of cancer.

Since this time, John has needed surgery and increased care and support from his family.

John was a manager of a company and used to being in control and in charge of his life. He struggled to depend on his family and friends for help and became increasingly withdrawn.

The relationship with his wife was impacted and there was little intimacy left. John was offered 1:1 sessions with a counsellor.

“Having someone to talk to was invaluable. I was afraid to talk to my wife and friends because I felt like a burden. Cancer makes you feel like that, a burden to everyone.

Attending appointments with a counsellor allowed me to speak freely about everything I was thinking and feeling without feeling guilty. We also spoke about the impact my diagnosis had had on the relationship with my wife intimately. I was able to reconnect with her which has improved so many things”.