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Profile: Adele McMahon

Subject: BA Hons Social Work
Institution: University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC)

I started a BA in Social Work with University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), Llandaff, in September 2005 against considerable odds. I was initially due to start in September 2004 but deferred due to the birth of my son.  Unfortunately, when he was 10 weeks old I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I considered postponing again but felt that I needed the course as a diversion from my endless medical appointments and I needed to feel that life went on.

I was lucky in that my operation to remove the tumour, surrounding breast tissue and lymph nodes was carried out a few months before the start of the academic year, so I had some time to recover from it. The course of chemotherapy that followed was incredibly debilitating with regular hospital stays and out-patients appointments. Its side effects of hair loss, acute vomiting, nausea and fatigue made me very concerned about my ability to start the course in September, which would be approximately halfway through my six chemotherapy cycles and before the start of four weeks of radiotherapy. As a result, my husband phoned the university to see if they could help with parking. I felt that I wouldn’t be able to walk very far and would not be able to cope if I had difficulty finding a parking space.

The Disability Service staff in Student Services were fantastic. They liaised with the Local Authority (LA) and not only provided a disabled parking permit for campus but, following an assessment, put together a Disabled Students’ Allowance.  Among other things, this provided for a notetaker to cover my absences (absences due to my condition, not affecting my 80% attendance rate), an accessible locker, computer equipment (including software to aid my studies due to the adverse effects on my concentration and organisational skills), a desk, a chair with special armrests (which supported my left arm which had lost some feeling, strength and movement after the operation), a study skills tutor, digital recorder, an IT tutor and special exam arrangements such as use of a computer and extended time.

I have since developed lymphoedema, an incurable but manageable condition caused by the removal of my lymph nodes. Because of my impaired lymphatic system, swelling can occur in some areas of my body. Along with my poor immune system and the fact that my diagnosis was only two years ago, this results in regular hospital appointments and illnesses. Yet I am confident that because of the immense level of support already received from the LA, Disability Service, the Social Work teaching staff and fellow students I will complete this course. They have made a difficult time easier and enabled me to have some normality in my life.

And all this from a phone call about parking!

I have been able to use this positive experience to encourage and help other students in a similar situation to myself via cancer forums.

I can’t emphasise enough that if anyone feels they have a problem or need help they should not hesitate in contacting Student Services who, in my experience, have been friendly, approachable and helpful.

[Posted October 2007]