Redefining “Terminal“: Living Fully with Metastatic Breast Cancer

“Please don’t apply the word ‘terminal’ to Trisha goddard’s cancer. Life-limiting, incurable, stage four, metastatic – because it has spread from her breast to her hip bone – are all allowable, but do not imply she is dying from it because most emphatically, she is not.” These are the words Goddard uses to frame her approach to living with metastatic breast cancer.

Goddard, known for her vibrant personality and candid discussions, recently completed time in a reality TV show while undergoing palliative care, defying expectations and challenging misconceptions about what life with advanced cancer looks like.“I had messages like, ‘You should be spending your dying days with your family, not in the Big Brother House,’” she recalls, highlighting the common misunderstanding that a metastatic diagnosis equates to imminent death.

The reality, as Goddard emphasizes, is far more nuanced. “It’s in my bone; specifically my right hip bone. And people have lived with cancer like this for five, ten even 20 years. By the end of this year there will be 3.4 million Brits living with cancer, a lot of them almost hiding away – and I wanted to show that you can still live a full and vigorous life. You can’t be so scared of dying you become afraid of living.”

Advocating for Workplace Support and Complementary Therapies

Goddard is a vocal advocate for better support systems for individuals with cancer, particularly in the workplace. “Many people are still working, muddling through. They have to. They don’t tell anyone about their diagnosis because they’re frightened of the reaction; scared, too, of losing their job. And lots of employers are not equipped to keep them in work. But how about saying, ‘What can we do to help you work?’” she asks.

She also champions the integration of complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments. She reels off the list of complementary therapies she has alongside her chemo and targeted hormone treatment – massages, acupuncture, exercise classes, nutritional advice – and points out: ‘It’s less likely you’ll be admitted to A&E and you can keep working and paying taxes rather then drawing benefits and sitting at home being depressed.’” This holistic approach, she believes, can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and empower patients to remain active contributors to society.

Research increasingly supports the benefits of complementary therapies for cancer patients. For example, a 2023 study published in the journal *Cancer* found that acupuncture can considerably reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.(note: Always consult with your medical team before starting any new therapy.)

the Reality of Side Effects and Symptom Management

Goddard is candid about the realities of living with cancer and its treatments. “One of the side-effects of chemo. I also had a prescribed dose of calcium, and so many people will say they’re tired with chemo. Not moi! I take Ritalin [a stimulant typically prescribed for ADHD]. It stops exhaustion.”

She emphasizes the importance of proactive symptom management. “‘This is what upsets me: there are so many people with cancer, so many suffering so much they can’t function, but side-effects can be treated. Nausea? I do a super mild wibbly-wobbly workout with weights that helps my balance. The hospital doesn’t even need to give me anti-nausea meds. Sound therapy can also help. And it’s free.” She’s excited about these benefits and hopes to meet with health officials to discuss these ideas.

Access to palliative care is also crucial, Goddard notes. “I remember getting a call from palliative care. I thought, ‘Oh my God, does that mean I’m dying?’ No! It’s symptom care for the management of cancer. I have a pain in my hip. I get steroid injections for it.’” Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, improving quality of life for both the patient and their family. It is available at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.

Coping Mechanisms and the Importance of Support

While Goddard maintains a philosophical and cheerful outlook, she acknowledges the emotional challenges of her diagnosis. “Some poor bat had to become a statistic and sometimes I ask, ‘why does it have to be me?’ And I scream at God. But I’m lucky, with treatment, the cancer has shrunk. I can never say I’m cured, but for now I’m good-ish.”

Strong support networks are essential. “Darling Sarah!’ she cries. ‘I tend not to do snotty-nosed snivelling.One never wants to dump everything on loved ones. But we’ve done some crying together. She rings me when I’m shaking like a chihuahua. She rings me from the loo. Sometimes we’ve sung nursery rhymes to each other.’” Though, she also acknowledges the sting of disappearing friendships. “They say. ‘Just call if you need anything’ and then you don’t hear from them at all. You think: did I upset them? there are people in my life who know what has happened and never even ask how you are. Anyone who is out there, who has done that to someone: are you scared it’s catching?’”

Dispelling Myths and Combating Misinformation

Goddard is passionate about dispelling cancer myths and combating misinformation.She is irritated too by other cancer terminology. ‘Battling. I hate that word! It then leads on to “winning” or “losing” and you are painted as weak if you’ve lost the battle.’”

She reserves the full force of her contempt for those who offer inexpert, unsolicited and frankly dangerous advice. ‘You hear them say, “If you eat lots of garlic, it wards off cancer.” Bunkum of course. don’t ever take advice from anyone except your qualified medical team. I’ve heard people say, “I can’t believe that you’re so stupid as to have chemo. It’s not natural.” That gets me so mad. A lot of these people who hand out advice, when they get a diagnosis themselves, eye of newt goes straight out of the window and they rush for the chemo.’”

Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Awareness

Looking forward,Goddard is committed to raising awareness and advocating for better support for individuals with late-stage illnesses. She quashed any such rumours by going public with her diagnosis last year. Charities – including Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan – have applauded her for going into the Big Brother House. Her next ambition is to host a documentary in which she talks to people with late stage illnesses, discusses the problems they face and the means of overcoming them.

Counterargument: The Cost of Complementary Therapies

One potential counterargument to Goddard’s advocacy for complementary therapies is the cost. Many of these therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, are not covered by insurance, creating a financial burden for patients. While some hospitals and cancer centers offer these services at reduced rates, access remains unequal.However, advocates argue that the long-term benefits of these therapies, including reduced reliance on pain medication and improved mental well-being, can offset the initial costs.Moreover, many community organizations offer free or low-cost wellness programs for cancer patients.

Conclusion

trisha Goddard’s journey exemplifies resilience, advocacy, and a refusal to be defined by a diagnosis. By sharing her experiences, she empowers others living with metastatic breast cancer to embrace life to the fullest and advocate for their needs. “there are people with life-limiting illnesses who are living with more vigour than those who take their health for granted. if you hear the sound of a ticking clock you tend not to sweat the small stuff. Sitting down and ruminating is not somthing I’ve ever done, and I’ve no intention of starting now.’”

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