Healing Journeys
Stories of Resilience and Compassion.
At MABS Cancer Support Fundación, we believe that healing extends beyond medical treatments—it’s about compassion, community, and unwavering support.
Our testimonial page is a collection of remarkable stories.
My cancer journey………
Chapter 1: The Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with cancer of the colon in 2024.
Chapter 2: The Treatment Journey
My treatment began with radiation therapy. I found these treatments very challenging; the radiotherapy aims to destroy the cancer cells and prevent their spread. The radiotherapy successfully reduced the size of the tumour so I could have surgery to remove what was left. I had a bowel resection. Unfortunately, I suffered a rupture of the bowel resection, and this meant I needed more surgery and the formation of a colostomy stoma. I was terribly unwell and weak after this second operation. This is when I (my wife) contacted MABS, I registered with them because I knew we needed some help and support, we were bewildered by the rollercoaster of events.
Chapter 3: The Road to Recover
The MABS Care Coordinator visited me at home. These Care Coordinators are volunteers but are also very experienced nurses, having qualified and practiced in the UK or Ireland. She carried out a home and care assessment to understand my needs and work out how MABS would be able to support me and my family at home. This is the standard procedure for anyone registering with MABS.
When the Care Coordinator arrival at my house I was unwell, so the care coordinator called the GP to assess me. An ambulance was called but I was not readmitted to the hospital as we had expected but I was discharged back home with no support.
My family struggled to cope with my needs at this time and MABS realised this, so I was invited to spend some time in the MABS Respite home in Camposol. This was all organised over a weekend with the volunteers giving up their free time to arrange my admission. I spent 2 weeks in the respite home, where I received 24 hours care and I gradually began to recover from the surgery and gain a little more strength.
When I returned to my own home MABS had supplied and installed a hospital bed and provided a zimmer frame and some other medical aids to assist my recovery.
MABS helped us find a local legally registered carer to come in twice a day to attend to my personal needs and MABS even helped with the cost.
Over the next 3 months I gradually recovered my strength and mobility, so we were able to reduce the number of care hours I needed.
Chapter 4: A New Beginning
I have now been told that there is no further evidence of the tumour, and I hope to be offered a reversal of the stoma. This is great news for me and his family.
I came through this ordeal not just as a survivor, but as a beacon of hope to others who find themselves in a similar position. My journey enforces the importance of a holistic approach to treatment and emphasises how medical expertise can be complemented by emotional and compassionate support.
Gratitude
My heart is filled with gratitude for the people who had supported me on my journey. My family, friends, and the MABS team who have been towers of strength.
Conclusion
I hope my story serves as a reminder that in the face of adversity, there is hope, and that positivity, care and compassion can light the way to recovery and through my personal cancer journey I can demonstrate the vital role that MABS played by supporting me and my wife at this most difficult time.STATEMENT FROM MABS:
It was our privilege to be allowed to help in this way and we are delighted to hear the good news.
MABS Cancer Support Fundacíon are a team of volunteers who give their time freely to provide practical support and encouragement to people like PA. During his association with MABS he received input from:
- The area coordinator
- The care coordinator(s)
- The Respite home Manager
- The nursing and care panel in the Respite Home
- The equipment team
- Funding for external carer agency support
If you ever wondered how your donations are used, this story outlines it perfectly.
We wish PA and his family the very best for the future.
Wow the carer is making such a difference.
We feel so much better mentally and physically after we have had our days out.
Our carer A is wonderful.
We cannot thank you enough for coming into our rescue.
RB – daughter-in-law of BB Mazarron
Good morning
You were part of helping me with my healing, in a very delicate moment for me. I had just given birth to my daughter, both my husband and I were unemployed and I was starting chemotherapy for Lymphoma; far from our country, far from our family, since we are Argentinians. One of your volunteers took me to the Hospital Clínico in Valencia, he was very kind to accompany me and wait outside for me.
One option that a friend presented to me was to do Reflexology to alleviate the symptoms I was having with the treatment, but I didn't have the money to pay for it, however I spoke to Barbara and she put me in touch with you.
You paid for all my reflexology sessions until the treatment was completed! Eternally grateful. The sessions really made a difference. Besides Barbara was super caring, she helped me emotionally with processes such as getting a haircut or changing toxic household cleaning products for healthier ones. On the physical side, the reflexology helped me with constipation, belly pain (it was amazing to go into the session with pain and leave without any ailment), the sessibility in my fingertips (I didn't feel it anymore), the elimination of toxins making me feel more like going pee-pee. I also had redness of the skin after chemotherapy and pain in the chest, which went away after the reflexology sessions.
I have told my doctor at the hospital about this and he was very interested as these are conditions that many patients have.
Anyway, I tell you from my heart, because I really feel that this therapy can help a lot of people. Whenever I talk about who helped me with the treatment I always mention Mabs, the AECC, reflexology, the hospital... and so many other people who selflessly helped us as a family to get through this time.
A month ago was my last chemotherapy and I am healthy!
thank you very much!
GS - Oliva
I wanted to take a moment to provide you with an update and express my sincere gratitude to you, Anne, and Phil for your support throughout my recent radiotherapy at Quiron.
Since December 2022, when I was unable to commence any treatment, it was disturbing to discover that my PSA levels had increased significantly from a concerning 30-ish to 130 earlier this year. I thought I was a goner! However, with the administration of testosterone-lowering injections every three months, my PSA levels decreased to 9. The subsequent radiotherapy then further lowered it to 1.39 about 10 days ago.
My Oncologist has provided me with reassurance that this figure is anticipated to continue declining in the upcoming weeks as the inflammation in my prostate diminishes. This positive progress is a great relief and cause for optimism for the future.
I must highlight the invaluable support provided by Anne and Phil. Their companionship during hospital visits has been a source of comfort, and their shared experiences with Anne's own health challenges have been incredibly enlightening for me. Their presence has not only prepared me for what to expect but has also uplifted my spirits during this journey.
I have already expressed my gratitude to them, and I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to you as well. The road ahead will require monitoring and regular injections every three months for a few years, but I am hopeful that with ongoing support and treatment, the spectre of prostate cancer recurrence will remain at bay.
Once again, thank you for your support which has made a significant difference, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness and care.
Thanks again.
JA - Torrevieja
Extraordinary kind care provided by MABS volunteers to NT and ST in Los Alcazares I write as the Canadian resident brother of ST who died in Los Alcazares on July 20th. Her husband NT who passed from cancer some seven years earlier also received the wonderful MABS care and support.
Please convey my heartfelt thanks and recognize these volunteer ladies namely; NH, SR and AW, whom all so kindly gave their time, help, comfort and friendship to ST during her illness.
I especially appreciated the many phone calls and text updates keeping me informed of her end of life journey.
Yours sincerely,
JO - Los Alcazares
