Moving Forward Programme
A programme of information and support to help you adjust to life after breast cancer treatment
People often tell us that although finishing treatment for breast cancer is a relief, they can also feel anxious after this time.
We acknowledge your need for support might not end when treatment finishes. You may need some time to come to terms with all the changes that have taken place. Moving Forward is a programme of information and discussion sessions that have been developed to help you adjust to your life now that treatment has finished.
The course is designed to help increase your confidence, knowledge and overall wellbeing. It provides information, support and professional guidance on a range of topics. This will help you know how to cope with changes, manage uncertainties and establish a new normal for you after your treatment. The team will be happy to answer any questions and the course is attended by up to 20 people, so it is a chance to get to know others in a similar situation.
The course is designed for women who have recently completed treatment for breast cancer. Those on Herceptin or endocrine therapy (tablets) will come at the end of their surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, whichever is last.
Course programme
The Moving Forward course takes place at the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre within St James’s University Hospital.
We ask you to commit to a whole day which starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4pm. This is standard follow up care, supported by your multidisciplinary breast care team.
The day will be split up into four sessions and include a 30 minute lunch. All four sessions are designed to help you understand and manage your wellbeing after breast cancer treatment and you should aim to be there for all of them.
Session 1 – 09:30 to 11:00 with Care Nurse
Management of breast cancer, breast awareness, on-going and long term treatment side effects and sexual wellbeing.
Session 2 – 11:00 to 12:30 with Dietician
Looking at how your diet can promote wellbeing and help reduce the risk of recurrence in the future. We will look at portion sizes, food labels and common dietary myths surrounding cancer and its prevention.
Session 3 – 13:00 to 14:30 with Psychology
Understanding the psychological impact of breast cancer and the treatment. This is a chance to look back at the experience and if you feel comfortable, to share your experience or feelings with others. We will also look at how you are feeling and coping now.
Session 4 – 14:30 to 16:00 with Physiotherapy
The benefits of activity and how to build it into your everyday life.
You will be given an opportunity to talk with a breast care nurse during the first session and again at the end, and the healthcare professional presenting each session.
The session gives you an opportunity, in a comfortable supported environment, to meet other women who have had a similar experience to you. You may find that Leeds Cancer Support within the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan centre has other services which could also be of benefit to you.
You are welcome to arrive early and use the facilities within the Sir Robert Ogden Centre and afterwards again if you would like to stay and chat.
Attending the course
Care and integrity are central to our work. We ask everyone taking part in the course to show each other consideration, respect and understanding and respect the confidentiality of the group.
This course is designed to help and is the alternative to attending outpatient appointments. There is evidence from other centres running similar courses, that confidence and wellbeing is increased for those completing the course.
Patients have agreed that attending the course has greater benefit than formal appointments.
Useful contact numbers
Breast Care Nursing Team 0113 2068623
Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre 0113 2066498
Disclaimer: On this website you will find advice to help you manage some of the more common but milder symptoms and side effects of breast cancer surgery. Please ONLY use this advice if you are currently participating in the ePainQ research project, otherwise you must follow the advice given to you by your medical team.
Clicking on the links in the left-hand menu will take you to advice on looking after yourself during treatment. If after following the advice you don’t feel your symptoms are being successfully managed or relieved, or if you become more unwell, you should contact your hospital medical team immediately.