Barbara’s Story: Rebuilding Life After Lung Cancer with ACT Therapy

At 67, Barbara Peters was shocked to be diagnosed with lung cancer having gone to the doctors with a slight but persistent cough. She put the cough down to the dusty environment and vehicle fumes of the stock room and loading bay of the department store in which she worked. However, even after changing jobs the cough lingered throughout the COVID lockdowns despite using inhalers.

In early 2024, Barbara was referred to a respiratory clinic with suspected bronchiolitis. Scans revealed nodules on her lungs with a 30% chance of being cancerous. “I was absolutely stunned to be told it was cancer, as apart from the cough I wasn’t unwell” she said.

Barbara underwent surgery in July, during which three tumours were found. Surgeons removed the bottom section of her lung, but thankfully, the cancer hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes—meaning she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

While the surgery was a success, Barbara found herself overwhelmed in the aftermath. She struggled with recurring nerve pain, sleepless nights, anxiety, and a deep sense of guilt. “I kept thinking I should’ve gone to the doctor sooner,” she said. “I also felt a kind of survivors’ guilt—my mum and brother both died of cancer, and I hadn’t been as poorly as they were.”

It was a conversation with her lung nurse that led Barbara to Cavendish Cancer Care, where she was introduced to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

“I was sceptical at first—especially about joining a group—but I surprised myself,” she said. “It was comforting to know others shared the same worries.”

The ACT sessions helped Barbara understand how her mind processes fear and anxiety, and gave her practical tools to manage difficult emotions. “The group didn’t focus on the cancer itself, but on how you move forward and accept the new version of yourself,” she explained. “The course leaders were so kind and professional.”

Barbara also found valuable resources through Cavendish@Home, the charity’s free online support hub, especially around grief and loss.

Now, she continues to use the tools she learned through ACT to stay grounded and maintain perspective. “I’d recommend Cavendish to anyone struggling with cancer or its after-effects,” she said. “I’d never been to therapy before, but it’s really helped. And it’s reassuring to know the support is still there from Cavendish if I need it.”

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