Case study: Helping Katherine with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Meet Katherine and Mark Lee, who are facing the challenges of living with metastatic cancer. Katherine was first diagnosed with breast cancer more than ten years ago and has undergone treatment on multiple occasions. In October 2025, she received the difficult news that cancer had returned, with tumours discovered in her spine. As they navigated another stage of living with the disease, The Orange Foundation has offered to fund a series of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to help improve her quality of life.

Can you tell us about your cancer journey?

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer around ten years ago. Since then, I’ve faced further treatment and more challenges along the way. In October 2025, I learned that the cancer had spread to my spine, where tumours were discovered.

Following the diagnosis, I underwent treatment, including injections to help stabilise my vertebrae. It was a very difficult time for myself and my husband, Mark, as we came to terms with what the diagnosis meant and how we wanted to move forward.

How did you approach treatment after your diagnosis?

Mark and I were determined to explore every possible option to help me maintain my health, well-being, and quality of life. We spent a lot of time researching and eventually found an oncology consultant nurse who developed a comprehensive treatment plan for me.

What appealed to us was that the plan looked beyond traditional treatments. It focused on my overall wellbeing, including nutrition, physical health, supplements and supportive therapies that could help me manage the impact of both the cancer and the treatments themselves.

How did you discover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

As part of the treatment plan, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was recommended. I began attending sessions at Jai Wellness in Preston and quickly started noticing a difference.

The treatments became an important part of my routine. Living with cancer can be physically and emotionally draining, and the side effects of medication can leave me feeling exhausted. The sessions gave me an opportunity to focus on my wellbeing and recovery.

What impact has the therapy had on your daily life?

The difference has been remarkable. The medication can take a great deal out of me, but after a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session I feel re-energised and much more capable of coping with day-to-day life.

Mark often notices the change immediately. He says I come out of the sessions feeling like a completely different person, with more energy, positivity and strength. It doesn’t take away the reality of living with cancer, but it helps me manage the condition and improve my quality of life.

How did The Orange Foundation support you?

As my condition progressed, both Mark and I had to stop working so that we could focus on managing my health and treatment. The financial pressure that comes with that can be significant.

The Orange Foundation kindly funded a series of 12 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, which allowed me to continue receiving a treatment that has made such a positive difference to my wellbeing. The Foundation’s support removed a burden at a time when we needed help most.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. Having access to these sessions has helped me maintain a better quality of life and given me additional strength to face the challenges of living with cancer.