[First Page] [Prev] Showing page 1 of 3 pages [Next] [Last Page]

An Inspiration

In December 1999 I was diagnosed as suffering from Follicular Lymphoma. The shock and fear of the disease was assuaged as my late wife Esther was suffering from Mantel B cell Lymphoma having been in treatment since late 1996. I had thus lived through the trauma of having seen at first hand the effect of various forms of chemo therapy, a stem cell transplant and the agony of waiting for a donor for an unrelated bone marrow transplant.

Esther was a very brave and determined person who fought the disease with every resource at her disposal. One evening while we were discussing the program of treatment that she was about to start Esther mentioned that I would have to take her to UCLH the next day as she was commencing a course of Hypno-Therapy. She explained to me what it was. I was sceptical but if it helped Esther I was supportive. After but a few sessions with Jacky Owens, Esther was coping better. She felt that by using the tools that Jacky was teaching she was better able to cope.

As I was preparing for my own program of chemo therapy Esther suggested that I too see Jacky. I was unsure. Esther was quietly insistent.  I had seen how Esther had been helped to cope and feel she was helping herself and so I agreed.

The hospital did not provide Jacky with dedicated facilities so our first session was in a bare office that was not being used at that moment. I was soon totally at ease in the company of a highly intelligent, articulate, extremely patient and sympathetic lady. The scope, methodology and aim of the therapy were explained clearly and without hype. I knew I was with someone I could trust totally.

Under Jacky’s expert tutelage, I soon mastered the technique that she taught me and felt empowered. As both Esther and I were having treatment at the same time we had very little spare capacity for coping. There was no room for self pity and we needed tools to help us help ourselves.

Each evening when we went to bed we would hold hands and do our Jacky routine together. After each such session we experienced renewed energy. We felt that we were in control of our bodies and minds and that we were priming our senses to concentrate on and focus on the areas of our body that most needed help. By doing this we were no longer simply submitting to the process of chemo therapy but we felt that we were actively involved in, this treatment programme that was designed  to eradicate the cancer.

I reached remission from lymphoma at the very time that Esther was about to have her unrelated bone marrow transplant. Sadly she died after some months in hospital. Yet even during this time, as exhausted and weak as she was she would not miss her sessions with Jacky.

About one month after Esther died I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was now alone. I was still in deep mourning for my wife of 34 years. I faced surgery and radio therapy. Even if successful I would be left with disabilities that would seriously affect my quality of life.  I turned to Jacky for help.

Her infinite patience, empathy, honesty and encouragement helped me to help myself through this difficult time of my life. I have found a new and loving life with a wonderfully understanding and sympathetic wife.

Ivan Kapelus

 

 

 

"Under Jacky’s expert tutelage, I soon mastered the technique that she taught me and felt empowered. As both Esther and I were having treatment at the same time we had very little spare capacity for coping. There was no room for self pity and we needed tools to help us help ourselves. "