Written by Becca Guiller on 29th April, 2026
East Lothian primary school teacher, Jackie Gentil was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of February 2026.
The 54-year-old, mum of three, was immediately started on hormone therapy and will have a mastectomy in June. She will go through major reconstruction surgery with further treatments to be decided, post-surgery.
Jackie found Cancer Card at the Maggie's Centre who handed her one of our Cancer Card's. When she was at a low, she reached out to us and contacted our support worker, Lynn who “was so lovely”.
As a busy parent in the process of moving house, which was all planned prior to her diagnosis, she understandably felt overwhelmed when she was first diagnosed but wanted to take practical steps to prepare herself for her upcoming surgery. That is when she applied for our comfort box.
On receiving the comfort box, she was delighted with the contents and wrote:
“Your box was literally kindness in a box. It genuinely felt like a big hug. The hat, scarf and blanket are just soooo cosy! Everything in it is just so well thought out with the treatment plan in mind.”
Jackie scored us 10 out of 10 for our service, with the thermometer being best most practical item. But she also loved the blanket and hat and scarf and feels the items will be very practical post-surgery.
Following this, our team are dedicated to remain in contact with Jackie to support her in any way we can. She recently discovered our online support directory which has opened some further support opportunities for her. She said:
“That search directory looks really helpful. I just put in breast cancer support groups in my area and it came up with quite a few I didn't know about. I also put in mastectomy and there again are initiatives and groups that will potentially be valuable to me. What a fantastic idea to put all the resources in one place. It can be a huge minefield when you start out.”
Cancer Card are proud to have supported Jackie at the beginning of her treatment and will be keeping in touch to provide support at any time needed.
Jackie said:
“I've got a long way to go, I'm basically at the start of a pretty tough journey ahead, but I'm positive and grateful for the huge support of family, friends and charities like Cancer Card.”
“Thank you for being there at the start of this sometimes lonely journey. I know I have the resilience to cope with this but some days are sad and this makes me feel there is always someone there to offer comfort and support.”
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We thank Jackie for her kind words and wish her all the best for her. We are here and ready to provide further support whenever needed.
Cancer Card is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have just received a diagnosis, are having treatment or in recovery we have the resources and compassion to support you. Call us on 0131 287 3001 (Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm) for support or visit our website www.cancercard.org.uk
