Like having my own personal Google: how Joining the Dots empowered Lynne with tailored support

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Lynne Carr, who had received support from our Joining the Dots service, which she describes as like having her own personal Google search that knew exactly what she was looking for.

Diagnosed in October 2023 with breast cancer she said the experience felt like a blur. As a family educator who supports adult wellbeing, she understood the process of accessing services, but was blindsided by the fact that this time, it was happening to her.

Lynne said: “The breast care nurses were amazing and provided me with lots of information but I’d also received personal endorsements for Joining the Dots so I decided to contact them too.

“While other support services were delivered in person, not always easy during treatment due to low energy and the risk of infection, Joining the Dots provided telephone support - much more accessible and far less daunting.”

Initially unsure of what she needed, after a conversation with Karen from Joining the Dots, everything changed. Lynne said: “Karen quietly listened, understood, and was able to signpost me to the most appropriate services. For example, my sense of taste was affected by the treatment, and I thought this might be considered trivial.  However, Karen reassured me and put me in touch with Life Kitchen, a local charity specialising in recipes and cooking workshops specifically developed for anyone undergoing treatment and beyond.  The focus is on different textures and flavour combinations which help reinvigorate appetite. This was great, especially as I wanted to take control of my own treatment and recovery.”

All of Karen’s support and advice was guided by and tailored to Lynne’s needs. She was interested in complementary therapies but had struggled to find a provider who was able to treat her during active cancer treatment. Lynne said: “Karen referred me to St Cuthbert’s Hospice.  I was hesitant at first as I’d assumed a hospice was only for end-of-life care.  The Hospice turned out to be a warm, hopeful place full of joy. I enjoyed a mix of reiki, Indian head massage, and talking therapies - support I wouldn’t have accessed without Karen’s help.”

Joining the Dots was unique in the way the support was led by her, tailored to her needs, and available when she needed it. She didn’t have to initiate contact. Talking about the regular calls she said: “Karen called every couple of weeks just to check in. Sometimes a simple chat was enough; other times I needed more help like organising appointments or accessing new services.

“Karen balanced friendliness with professionalism, which made her easy to talk to. The support she offered was both emotional and practical. There were no irrelevant questions - Karen really listened and responded to what I needed at that time."

Throughout her journey, Lynne remained positive. Following three surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, Lynne is now free of active disease but will continue taking medication long-term to help prevent recurrence.

The help Lynne received from Joining the Dots was vital and has continued to support her recovery. She has now enrolled on a course called HOPE, delivered in partnership with Macmillan and Joining the Dots, which she sees as the next step in adapting to her new normal and building emotional and practical resilience.

In addition, she is about to begin a rowing course - part of a pilot programme developed by the NHS and the Northern Cancer Alliance. Asked to summarise what Karen delivered through Joining the Dots, she said: “Karen understood what I wanted and also that it would change throughout my journey. Nothing was pushed on me - Karen just ‘got me’.

“It wasn’t counselling - it was practical suggestions, referrals, tips, advice, and signposting for me, my partner, and my children. Everything was led by my needs at the time.”

A huge thank you to Lynne for sharing her story, delivered in partnership with Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), the Macmillan Joining the Dots service supports people aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with cancer. The service also works closely with the friends, carers and relatives of those who use the service. If you would like to find out more about our Joining the Dots service please visit: www.joiningthedots.info