A Breast Cancer Patient's Story of Heartbreak and Joy

Bernice Glavin is a nurse working within the Mercy University Hospital in Cork and she was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005, a week after she completed the Dublin Marathon. Her initial state of denial and disbelief changed to one of despondency as Bernice faced into the difficult treatment that she needed to fight the disease that had invaded her body - a mastectomy, six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy.

Now finished her treatment, on the road to recovery and back to work as a nurse, Bernice has written her very first book, ‘The Journey’, which was launched in 2007 by Olympian Ronnie Delaney.

"The Journey" is based on Bernice's experiences as an intensive care nurse, a marathon runner and as a breast cancer patient. It is a courageous and very honest book, which helps cancer patients and their families move beyond the ‘why me' question, and helps them begin their own journey to recovery.

Every piece in the book contains a theme to which people can relate – sadness and joy, but also humour and common sense. There are difficult moments as well amusing moments, however the book highlights that life goes on after cancer diagnosis and can, in fact, be enhanced by the experience. Many people will instantly relate to Bernice’s remarkable insights and hopefully, the book will help to take the fear out of the word ‘cancer’ and ease the mystery and uncertainty of cancer treatment.

Professor Gerry O'Sullivan, Director of the Cork Cancer Research Centre, believes that ‘The Journey' will help other cancer patients and their families as they begin their own personal journeys. “This is a brilliantly written, imaginative and humorous book by a remarkable woman, Bernice Glavin. With great courage and originality she describes her personal journey through breast cancer and its treatment. We are delighted to support this book and her story will no doubt help countless other people who will face a similar challenge in the future.”

If you would like to order copies of the book to help support friends or family members, please contact us on +353 21 490 1437 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The book costs €10 (+ €1.30 P&P) and all proceeds go directly to Cork Cancer Research Centre.

To date sales of "The Journey" have raised nearly €30,000 for cancer research programmes at the Centre.  We extend our sincere gratitude to Bernice and her family for all their fundraising, and for their continued support of the Centre's work.