Frequently asked questions

Side by Side offers one-to-one support from Rachel Mugnai, an NMC-registered Specialist Cancer Nurse and former gynae-oncology clinical nurse specialist at the Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre in Gateshead. I help women with gynaecological cancer, and anyone affected by cancer, understand what's happening, prepare for appointments, manage side effects and cope emotionally, alongside their hospital team.

Mainly women with ovarian, womb (endometrial), cervical or vulval cancer, at any point: newly diagnosed, during treatment, if cancer comes back, or after treatment. I also support people with other cancers, and family members and partners supporting someone with cancer.

Making sense of your diagnosis and pathology report, preparing questions for your consultant, getting ready for surgery and recovery, managing side effects such as fatigue and brain fog, understanding maintenance therapies and clinical trials, coping with scan anxiety and fear of recurrence, menopause and intimacy after treatment, returning to work, and difficult conversations with family.

No. I work alongside your hospital team, never instead of them. I don't diagnose, prescribe or change treatment plans: clinical decisions always stay with your team. I help you understand your care, prepare for appointments and get the most from them.

No. I'm a specialist nurse trained in cognitive behavioural coaching, so I can offer practical tools to manage anxious thoughts. This is coaching and support, not therapy. If you need specialist psychological help, I'll help you find it.

Yes. My specialism is gynaecological cancer, but I support people with all types of cancer, especially with anxiety, side effects and life after treatment. Book a free chat and we'll see if I'm the right fit. If I'm not, I'll point you towards someone who is.

Yes. I support partners, daughters, sons and friends, whether or not the person with cancer is also having sessions. You can also arrange support for someone you love as a gift; I'll always speak to them first, so nothing happens without their say.

It's a relaxed, no-pressure 15-minute conversation by phone or video. You tell me a little about what's going on, and we talk about whether and how I can help. There's no obligation to book anything afterwards.

The free chat is free. The initial cancer support consultation is £85 for 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are £42.50 for 30 minutes or £85 for 60 minutes. There are no packages: you only book what you need.

I'm recognised by several private medical insurers. Cover, pre-authorisation and excesses vary, so please check with your insurer before booking a paid session. I'm happy to provide any information they need.

Every paid session includes seven days of messaging afterwards for quick questions and clarification. After every session, you'll get a written summary and action plan, so you don't have to remember everything. This isn't an urgent or emergency service.

A free chat within 2 working days. Your first session usually within 5 working days.

After every session, you'll get a written summary and action plan, so you don't have to remember everything.

Book a free chat online at any time. If you already know you'd like to start, you can book an initial consultation directly. I'll send your client onboarding form with my terms and conditions, and an invoice; your booking is confirmed once payment is received.

Sessions are by secure private video call, so you can join from home anywhere in the UK. In-person sessions in the North East can be arranged on request.

Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or rearrange a session.

Yes. Everything you share is confidential, and your information is handled in line with UK GDPR. See the privacy policy for details. As a registered nurse, I follow the NMC Code, which includes rare situations where I'd need to share information to keep you or others safe; I'd always talk to you first where possible.

Side by Side isn't an emergency service. If you're worried about symptoms, contact your hospital team or acute oncology helpline. You can also call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. For emotional support at any time, call Samaritans on 116 123.