'I'm fighting fit and raring to go'
LAST June Janet Baines was recovering from surgery and trying to come to terms with the fact that she had breast cancer.
This June she is full of optimism and vitality and enjoying a new lease of life as she looks forward to getting her business back on track. The painting and decorating business Janet runs with her friend Penny Richards had to be put on hold while she endured surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy but she wants her customers to know that she's now fighting fit and raring to go.
The inspirational 54-year-old had her dark days when the full implications of the cancer diagnosis were sinking in but she is certain that her positive outlook has been crucial to her recovery.
"When you hear the word cancer you can't help but think the worse but there is a positive side and you just have to keep on going," said Janet.
Now Janet, who is still having four-monthly check-ups, is facing another challenge – being a catwalk model in a fashion show organised by the breast care team at the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, where she received her treatment.
"My family think it's hysterical. Modelling clothes is just not me," said Janet who will be swapping her painter's overalls for posh frocks in the event at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, in September.
She was asked to take part after she raised more than 800 at a party to celebrate the end of her treatment. "I decided to have a 'good to be alive' party for my friends and family. Then it was suggested that I ask for donations rather than presents on the night and I was amazed when we raised 825.
"The Macmillan nurses have been a fantastic support to me and I just wanted to give something back. They helped me to see light at the end of the tunnel."
(Read Janet's story in the Brighouse Echo June 26th 2008) “All you can do is watch from the sidelines and try to stay strong but it’s not easy.”
Janet and Penny, former neighbours who became friends and then business partners, ventured into painting and decorating about 19 years ago and had to scale down the business while Janet’s treatment took its course. “That was the most upsetting thing in a way,” said Janet. “We have worked hard to build up the business and we have some lovely loyal customers – we didn’t want to let them down.”
The two women have a caravan on the East Coast at Skipsea and that has become their retreat.
“I found it helped to get by the sea. There was one night, shortly after the diagnosis, when things seemed particularly bad. I set off for a walk on my own and the joke was that I was going to throw myself off the cliffs – except there aren’t any Skipsea – but after a good long hike by the sea, I felt better and didn’t look back after that,” said Janet.
“The grandchildren were fantastic. They joked about my bald head and about the little denim cap I wore because I didn’t fancy a wig. They just took it in their stride and accepted it. Now my hair has grown back, thicker and more curly than before, I’m glad to say.
“Jane Tomlinson was an inspiring woman to me and I thought about how hard she fought cancer and the amazing things she achieved. I was very upset when she died.”
The fashion show in September is aimed at bringing inspiration and confidence back to patients who may be going through a difficult time in their lives. After that Janet has been invited to discuss her experiences as a cancer patient at a conference for district nurses at the Great Yorkshire Showground near Harrogate in October.
“If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d be taking part in a fashion show and addressing a conference, I just wouldn’t have believed you!” said Janet.
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Weather for Halifax
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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