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About me
My name is Stephanie Butland and I am thriving after breast cancer. (I used to say I was a survivor, but that was a bit, well, lacking in joi de vivre, somehow.)
Since diagnosis in November 2008 I have taken everything that the medical profession can throw at me: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ongoing drug therapy. And I’ve tried to do it with a good heart and a strong mind. Sometimes I’ve succeeded. Always, I’ve blogged.
The Bah! approach
In trying to encapsulate my approach to cancer, I’ve come up with 4 pointers:
1. Be informed: Ask questions. Read books. Talk to other people. Read blogs.
2. Be sensible: Eat good food. Sleep as well as you are able. Try to do some exercise. Keep doing things that are not cancer related. The walk from cancer diagnosis to professional cancer patient is, sadly, not a long one. Try to keep a toehold in the world.
3. Use your mind: Make choices about what you think, when you think it, the language you use. Do not stop being yourself.
4. Be positive: By which I don’t mean, ‘put your head in the sand’. I mean, expect the best; choose what makes you feel good; seek out people, places, experiences that nourish you; avoid people who look at you as though they are measuring you up for a coffin.
Bah! in the media
I’ve been featured on Radio 4’s IPM, being interviewed by Eddie Mair on the language of cancer.
I’ve modeled for the 2010 Race for Life shop.
I’m working with Cancer Research UK to promote Race for Life.
I’ve written a book, ‘How I Said Bah! To cancer’. It’s published by Hay House in October this year.
I’ve been a guest on the Jonathan Miles show at BBC Newcastle, talking about cancer.
Have just been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, my prognosis is good, but I am experiencing the coffin thing… doing my head in – some one recommended your blog as I was having a rant on mine. You have cheered my soul. xxx
Happy Birthday xxxx
Wow, I’m so pleased I’ve found you! I am a one tit wonder (We’ve all heard of a one hit wonder.) I got rid of the bit that had the cancer and now I don’t have it. I have to keep a sense of humour or it could feel like it’s something serious!!!! I have a life to get on with for goodness sake. This is dedicated to Selina my Breast Care Nurse at the Jane Ashley Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford and everyone else who has helped me say BAH to Cancer. Thank you I am forever GRATEFUL xxxxx
Welcome to Bah!, Mags! It’s so good to hear from people who are doing well after cancer. X
Thanks Stephanie. I have some up times and some down times. I’ve cried for no obvious reason other than I’m adjusting to a changed life. Not a planned change but a change non the less. I think it could be a good change and it’ll make me focus on the important bits in my life and I can finally chuck out the bits I don’t want. I had my op in April, I’m back at work and enjoying it and waiting to find a tablet to take for 5 years that will suit me without too many side effects. Any others out there who have been at the Jane Ashley Womens Centre in Oxford. They are just superb there. Can’t praise them enough. Well, I’m looking forward to coming back here and keeping my sense of humour and balance in life. Take care and thank you for listening. xx
hi ,your articals are preety good ,and a brave woman ,i got breast cancer last november ,got all clear after my mastestony,but finding things still hard to live with i turned to food ,put 5 stone on ,now dont no wat to do as im not fit as i was ,keep the good work up ,just seen you on tv thats why i googled you to find out more julie xx
Thanks, Julie, for getting in touch, and welcome to Bah!. x