Fiona Russell felt overwhelmed when she was first diagnosed with cancer.
One of the first symptoms she noticed was a pain under her arm and she was booked in for a biopsy in hospital after visiting her GP.
The office supervisor was then told she had breast cancer.
It was very difficult news to take in but surgeons removed the cancer through a lumpectomy and the procedure in 1996 was a success.
However, the cancer returned three years later and she was advised to undergo a mastectomy to remove her breast.
Another three years on Fiona, of Aberdeen, was given the news that the cancer had now spread to her bones.
But there was positive news…
But a doctor, who worked as an oncologist, explained to her that there was positive news.
Fiona said: “He sat me down and said ‘I’m going to tell you, it has spread to the bone, but it can be treated. I’ll tell you right now, I’m treating a man who’s had it for 15 years.'”
It gave Fiona, who is now 70, a lot of hope.
“I’ve now got it in my spine,” she says. “It’s incurable but it’s treatable.
“You think right, it’s treatable, get on with it.”
How Fiona found she could help other patients
The grandmother-of-four has seen so many developments in cancer treatments over the years it inspired her to give something back.
After starting fundraising for the Friends of Anchor charity in 2005, she’s now raised an impressive £50,000.
Fiona and her friends hold raffles, bingo events and auctions at the 22 Club, a social club in Aberdeen.
The mother-of-three recently attended an event in the city to find out how the fundraising donations are spent.
Clinicians and researchers were on hand to talk to supporters who were given laboratory tours.
And Fiona was amazed to see how the research carried out helps patients like her benefit from improvements in cancer care.
Research is currently being funded into studies on gut bacteria which appears to influence how some cancer treatments work.
It’s hoped the growth of cancer tumours could be slowed down if patients undergoing radiotherapy eat more soluble fibre in their diet.
How have advances in treatment helped Fiona?
Fiona has already benefitted from advances in treatments and care while she has been living with cancer.
“I’ve had cancer for so long and when I first had breast cancer it was like mind-boggling.
“I’ve never stopped being amazed at the treatment; over the years it’s got better and better.
“Originally I used to sit for three hours to get a drip for chemotherapy. And then it was an hour and a half.
“Now it’s a 15 minute injection once a month. It’s developed so much over the years and you can only be so in awe about what they do.”
What has kept her spirits up?
Sticking to a daily routine has helped Fiona while she has been living with cancer. She still gets up at 5.45am for work and has no firm plans to retire yet.
Focusing on her work at a local construction company is one of the most positive things she could do.
“I’m always of the opinion that you never ever sit back and think ‘Oh my god I’ve got cancer’.
“You say ok, and do what you’re told; do whatever the consultants and nurses tell you.
“Accept help from the likes of Friends of Anchor. It’s so good just to talk, they find you and talk to you and understand what’s going on more than anyone.
“Everybody needs a family but they don’t understand the same.”
‘It gives me something to live for’
Raising money for the charity has also helped Fiona deal with the difficult times while she has lived with cancer over the years.
“It lifts me and it gives me something to live for,” she says. “You know what you’re getting, you’re giving back. And giving them something to help them.”
Sir Jim Milne, Friends of Anchor’s chairman, said: “Since the first donation in 2005, Fiona and her nearest and dearest have been real champions for the cause, spreading the word abut the work of Friends of ANCHOR and galvanising support from family, friends and the community.
“My sincere and heartfelt thanks go to Fiona and those who play an integral part in her fundraising, which has amassed more than £51,000 over the years.”
Conversation