A Par resident currently battling lung cancer is launching a new support group for people going through similar tough times after realising just how little was currently available in the area.
Viv Jones was diagnosed with NSC lung cancer in January 2012 and began treatment at Treliske Hospital to fight the disease.
But it quickly became apparent to her that something was absent from the treatment process.
"I have received wonderful treatment from all concerned" she said, "my GP, chemo nurses, clinicians, my lung care nurse, district nurses and especially my consultant, Mr Tony Talbot, but I always felt that there was something missing from the system.
"It appears that there are no personal support groups which are non-medical in the area. When I was diagnosed I realised there was nothing out there. Support groups exist for other forms of cancer but not for lung cancer.
"So, being the person that I am, I thought I should start one myself."
And that's exactly what Mrs Jones has done. With the backing of Macmillan nurses and her own Lung Care nurse, Sue Pascoe, the first chapter of the 'Let's Pull Together' group is about to be written.
The new friends support network aim to offer a place where people battling all forms of lung cancer can meet others going through the same experience, share thoughts and fears, a cuppa and maybe even a laugh or two.
Nurse, Sue Pascoe, who has been treating Mrs Jones at the Royal Cornwall Hospital's Sunrise Centre, is right behind the new group and will be playing her part as it moves forward.
She said: "I'm in full support of what Viv is doing with 'Let's Pull Together'.
"I'll be very much in the background offering my own advice and support when needed and will also be on hand if Viv ever requires me to attend any of the group sessions and meetings."
Mrs Jones hopes that 'Let's Pull Together' can grow into playing an important role in supporting people battling the disease.
She added: "My health is not always the best but I feel there is a great need for a network of people going through the same thing as myself.
"I would love just to help one person not feel alone with this terrible disease."
To find out more on 'Let's Pull Together' call Viv on 01726 815605 or 07796 181 138 or e-mail to bramblespar@aol.com.
Viv Jones was diagnosed with NSC lung cancer in January 2012 and began treatment at Treliske Hospital to fight the disease.
But it quickly became apparent to her that something was absent from the treatment process.
"I have received wonderful treatment from all concerned" she said, "my GP, chemo nurses, clinicians, my lung care nurse, district nurses and especially my consultant, Mr Tony Talbot, but I always felt that there was something missing from the system.
"It appears that there are no personal support groups which are non-medical in the area. When I was diagnosed I realised there was nothing out there. Support groups exist for other forms of cancer but not for lung cancer.
"So, being the person that I am, I thought I should start one myself."
And that's exactly what Mrs Jones has done. With the backing of Macmillan nurses and her own Lung Care nurse, Sue Pascoe, the first chapter of the 'Let's Pull Together' group is about to be written.
The new friends support network aim to offer a place where people battling all forms of lung cancer can meet others going through the same experience, share thoughts and fears, a cuppa and maybe even a laugh or two.
Nurse, Sue Pascoe, who has been treating Mrs Jones at the Royal Cornwall Hospital's Sunrise Centre, is right behind the new group and will be playing her part as it moves forward.
She said: "I'm in full support of what Viv is doing with 'Let's Pull Together'.
"I'll be very much in the background offering my own advice and support when needed and will also be on hand if Viv ever requires me to attend any of the group sessions and meetings."
Mrs Jones hopes that 'Let's Pull Together' can grow into playing an important role in supporting people battling the disease.
She added: "My health is not always the best but I feel there is a great need for a network of people going through the same thing as myself.
"I would love just to help one person not feel alone with this terrible disease."
To find out more on 'Let's Pull Together' call Viv on 01726 815605 or 07796 181 138 or e-mail to bramblespar@aol.com.
