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A father of two has praised the work of Beatson Cancer Charity one year on from his wife’s cancer diagnosis.
Jason Dawes’ wife, Jennifer, discovered a lump last January and visited her GP, just two days after Jason had started a new job.
WATCH: Jason Dawes speaking about Jennifer's experience of Beatson Cancer Charity
Video
45-year old Jason and 47-year old Jennifer live in Killearn in Stirlingshire with their 12 and 15-year old sons.
Jason said: “Jennifer had felt a lump in her breast which didn't feel right when she was in the shower.
“I’d started new employment on the 9th January and then Jen's GP appointment was on 11th January.
“Deep down, Jennifer probably knew it was some form of breast cancer. Jennifer works for a clinical research organisation, has some knowledge of different types of cancer and oncology, so we remained fairly calm until we had the diagnosis.
“Jen went off to the GP and at that stage it was implied it was likely breast cancer and so she was sent off for an ultrasound and some tests but within 10 days it was confirmed that it was breast cancer.”
Jason said it was a shock to them both as Jennifer lives a healthy life.
PICTURED: Jennifer and Jason Dawes
Jason continued: “You always think it’s going to be someone else. Jennifer is really healthy, has never smoked, eats well, exercises, there’s no family history – it was a bit of a kick in the guts if I'm honest because it was not expected in terms of lifestyle choices. Cancer really wasn’t discriminating.”
Jason explained how they told their two sons, and that their reactions were a relief to them both.
He said: “We sat the boys down. We have Sunday roast as a family every weekend, so it was at that stage after it was confirmed that we decided to tell them.
“We're quite fortunate that cancer isn’t a completely terrifying and scary word because of Jennifer’s work and background.
“I remember the first thing Freddy said was ‘was it detected early mum?’ - and so I think that just relaxed Jennifer and I because he understood if it was detected early that the likelihood of swift treatment and a favourable outcome was going to be good.”
Jennifer received her treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and benefitted from the patient support services offered by Beatson Cancer Charity.
PICTURED (L-R): Jennifer, Freddy, Hugo and Jason Dawes
Jason said: “Jen came into The Beatson for day surgery and they removed the tumour.
“They took three lymph nodes and sent them away for further testing. Jennifer was in and out of The Beatson.
“It was lucky for us as we’re in Stirlingshire, so it’s not too far away and so in terms of the support it was a case of starting from the beginning and gathering information.
“We spoke to consultants, gathered leaflets – all the things you walk past and don't give the time of day to until you need it.
“Simple things like a sandwich or a muffin or a coffee in the Beatson Cafe helped along the way.
“Jennifer’s hair fell out and she had it shaved and we had some events coming up. She wanted long hair as she had long hair before, so Jennifer utilised Beatson Cancer Charity’s wig-fitting service and came in and tried on lots of different wigs.
“I was at work and I got lots of photos of Jennifer looking like different people. In all the photos I have of Jennifer with the wigs and the staff at The Beatson and at the wig-fitting service, everyone was smiling.
“During her treatment she went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy and The Beatson became a home away from home.”
PICTURED: Jennifer Dawes
Jason wanted to do something as a way of thanking Beatson Cancer Charity for the care Jennifer received and for giving him the time to look after family life while the staff at The Beatson cared for Jennifer.
Jason took part in The Devil of the Highlands race which is a 42-mile ultra run along the West Highland Way from Tyndrum to Fort William.
He finished the run in 10.5 hours and raised an incredible £11,704 for Beatson Cancer Charity.
Jason said: “Knowing there was a safe space, a happy place was a comfort. You'll always remember the people involved in a situation like this and she’ll always remember the people at The Beatson.”
Find out more about the Wellbeing services which Beatson Cancer Charity offers.
