My Simple Steps

24/07/2025

So proud to volunteer for Bosom Buddies Bristol!

Breast Cancer Support Group - supporting patients and families with the physical and emotional challenges of Breast Cancer.

21/07/2025

Quick rehab video, why do this? It keeps me "compliant" 🙃. If I didn't make myself go in front of the camera, I wouldn't hold myself accountable to do the exercises. Yes, I am one of those "thanks for the leaflet.... throws over the shoulder" type of person. Which is why I understand how hard rehabilitation and motivation is, but I also know I need to kick my own butt! No-one else is responsible for my health, just me. So to those who struggle with motivation and don't like rehabilitation exercises. Pump the music up, do it instead of something even more boring, find your way!!!! Or just take 6 mins, if you are a breast cancer patient who has been provided with the Breast Cancer Care leaflet and join me! https://youtu.be/B5G9wOmYouo?si=BTPUx0dkeWTbjI-o

18/07/2025

Recovery from surgery, tools I used coming round from serious full body shakes in recovery ward - Emmett technique "recovery" series, EFT central tapping and connective breath work. Once out of recovery ward, lots of water and then nibbling protein, chicken salad and a nut bar. Mentally stayed away from technology and stared into space with deep breating (my meditation isn't honed!) kept the limbs moving as much as I could for lymphatic movement. popped the eye mask on and slept as much as you can in hospital! Had to sculpt an alternative to a post surgery bra, as my ribs don't like anything touching them, so made some supportive kinesio strips alongside some lymphatic draining strips to both reduce swelling and redirect. Now home trying to cleanse the liver and kidneys and moving without overstretching! This post isn't about sympathy, it's about understanding the role of self care in recovery. How can we empower patients to understand their role in their own rehabilitation without over whelm? Now where did I put my post op p**p stool! 🙄😍

13/07/2025

Part of surgery prep is your emotional well being ☺️. All other aspects are important nutrition, hydration, skin care and range of movement too! But being with family, next to nature and taking time to breathe is a great way of getting ready 😁

11/07/2025

Well, videos are done and playlists have launched! If you or anyone you know needs simple support for scars or lymphoedema self care. Here are the links to my 2 playlists....

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbs0cJ10kRRkZDOyEvpmHzAVR8ZTVZam4&si=jfoK9GYNkBZpe4_G - Lymphoedema

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbs0cJ10kRRnNJoAeUzgpHVwYKRCWZ5G5&si=ZG2T-ScJm_mVzVxz - Scar Care

Right, I'm signing off for a while but will be peeking on here if you have any comments! Thank you as ever for your support 🥰😍 xx

Welcome to my guide to supporting your lymphatic system! If you're looking to support your lymphatic system and work with simple techniques to self care for ...

06/07/2025

Sometimes you just have to celebrate your victories, and this is one I'm particularly proud of. There were definitely points during this journey where I could have thrown in the towel. However, I'm so grateful for my supportive cheerleaders, my own stubborn attitude, and especially my fellow students. They never failed to entertain us and encourage everyone throughout the course. This is for all the amazing practitioners and nurses around the country who strive to advance their learning and education! Also, Justine Waloch thank you for being an amazing mentor. Truly inspiring xx

02/07/2025

Here is the starting point of the self care videos that I am making! I hope you find them useful. The first is about Lymphoedema, what it is, signs and symptoms, signposting and an insight into the fabulous lymphatic system! Please share with anyone who is concerned about lymphoedema. Soon to come The Scar Care Series which I have completed with the wonderful Janey Barrett for Penny Brohn UK. Always welcome feedback and requests for videos of what may support you too!

Your body has a hidden superhero – the lymphatic system! In this video, we're pulling back the curtain to reveal its crucial functions. But what happens when...

22/06/2025

Volunteering as the wellbeing lead for Bosom Buddies is amazing, this weekend we celebrate not only the team who completed the obstacle course, but the cheerleaders, donors and all round amazing people of the Bosom Buddies community. We stay connected supporting each other through all of the challenges that life seems to throw at us. If you would like more information about support through your breast cancer journey, please contact Bosom Buddies Bristol.

17/06/2025

Next week marks my last week of work for a while as I'm taking a short sabbatical. This wasn't an easy decision, but it's a necessary one. I've recently been diagnosed with a secondary cancer, and while I'm optimistic about my recovery, it's also an opportunity to re-evaluate how I work. The side effects from my initial cancer treatments have made my usual work increasingly challenging, and this sabbatical will allow me to recover from surgery and explore new ways of working.
This experience has highlighted the need for more supportive work models for people living with long-term conditions and treatment side effects. My core idea is to empower self-care in a simple, accessible format, helping individuals understand and listen to their bodies.
Resources & Collaboration
While I'm away, I'll be sharing resources and signposting to helpful information on my website to support you. I'm also eager to connect with other practitioners who are already championing similar approaches to self-health and well-being. We all have unique paths, and I see this as a chance to learn from, promote, and celebrate others who believe in taking charge of our own health journeys.
I'm incredibly grateful for your understanding and support during this time. I'll be back, recharged and with new insights to share!

Send a message to learn more

12/06/2025

It's official, I am now a qualified Advanced Lymphoedema Practitioner, awarded from the University of Glasgow. Can't wait for the graduation!!

The following Final Award Result has been approved by the Exam Board:

Programme: B728-5113 (Advanced Lymph Management PGC)

Final Award Result : Qualified

Send a message to learn more

26/05/2025

Useful information for those cosmetic purchases 😍

09/05/2025

Got me twice on Monday!! Scar session and lymphoedema advice session. We will be discussing simple scar self care and the lymphoedema session will cover compression. Pass on to anyone who needs support, sign up via Penny Brohn UK website 👍

Session highlights for next week:

The home icon means an online session and the leaf icon means in-person at the Penny Brohn UK Centre in Bristol!

👉 Mon: Scar care. A three-session series offering a guide to scars and how to manage them through self-care.

👉 Mon: Lymphoedema support group. Get support with the physical, emotional and practical challenges caused by lymphoedema.

👉 Wed: Nutrition know how: supporting digestion and the microbiome when living with cancer.

👉 Wed: Community kitchen. Prepare to have your taste buds inspired and learn lots of practical tips, while connecting with others too.

To book any of these sessions or see what else we have coming up, head to our website: https://pennybrohn.org.uk/our-approach/services/full-session-calendar/

📍 Penny Brohn UK, Ham Green House, Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, Bristol, BS20 0HH

We look forward to seeing you there!🌿