Pam Morrow

"I was 56 when I was diagnosed. I had felt a lump and 'just knew' that it was breast cancer. So much so that I had investigated the treatment involved before I got the diagnosis. Although it was not a surprise to hear the news, it was still a shock.

I heard about The Haven when a friend sent me an article from the Daily Telegraph and I came to the Haven around the time of the opening of the first Haven in London in February 2000.

When I came I was physically very run down and constantly exhausted. I had not taken time off work as I am self-employed although I did reduce the amount of work I took on. Some evenings I struggled to get up the stairs to bed.   The Haven suggested I try reiki, shiatsu and reflexology which helped - particularly the reflexology. I believed that my fruit and vegetable filled diet was excellent so I felt I did not need to see the nutritionist. However I continued to be tired and it was only when I followed the advice of the Haven’s nutritionist and its medical herbalist  that I rapidly recovered my usual energy levels.

The Haven therapists have great experience of the impact of breast cancer. They seemed to know how I was feeling - physically and emotionally - better than I did so they knew the treatments to recommend.  They were objective and empathetic.

The Haven also gave me an opportunity to talk freely about my concerns. I am single and my family is in Ireland. Although I have plenty of friends in London, I found it very difficult to divulge how physically low and tired I was. I wanted to protect everyone from worrying about me and from feeling any need to give me their support. I was brought up to keep a stiff upper lip but when I left the Haven after my first visit there were a few tears in my eyes on the way home as I felt that someone else was sharing the responsibility for my wellbeing. I didn't feel that I had to cope on my own. And it was good to meet and talk with others in the same boat

Finally I got better!  I now appreciate life much more. I value what is important in life - family, friends, health, countryside, etc - and care less for the material things which used to bring pleasure. I have several friends who are eternally grateful to me for recommending The Haven to them and others who have helped their friends by pointing them to the support it offers."

Pam Morrow