I found a lump in my neck, which was checked at hospital. After clear scans and biopsies, it was deemed a reactive node. However, in early 2021, the lump had grown and started causing discomfort at night. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, getting a doctor's appointment took over seven days.
After seeing my doctor, I was quickly referred to an ENT consultant who scheduled an MRI, CT, blood tests, and more biopsies. Upon diagnosis, I learned I had stage 3 throat and neck cancer which was terrifying, but I did have treatment options.
"Despite difficulties, I felt grateful for the excellent care I received"
Treatment began swiftly with partial tumour removal, tonsillectomy, and a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) insertion for nutrition during radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For seven weeks, I received daily radiotherapy, which led to difficulties eating, significant weight loss, extreme fatigue and a mouth full of ulcers.
Unexpected challenges included blood transfusions, daily injections for white blood cells, hospital admissions for infections, and being among the few women with this type of cancer, I often found myself in a room full of men.
Post-treatment my scan still showed cancerous cells, leading to additional surgery for a neck dissection. Despite difficulties, I felt grateful for the excellent care I received from nurses, surgeons, consultants, and oncologists.
"I will be forever grateful to my family, friends and medical teams that got me through my cancer treatment"
The next of my part of my journey was very unexpected, returning to work after nine months was tough. I faced memory issues, workload overwhelm, and high levels of anxiety. The turning point came when I finally admitted how I was really feeling, and with the support of my family and friends I got some cognitive behavioural therapy.
Over time, I regained strength and now aim to inspire others. Recently, I celebrated my three-year clear PET scan, a feeling that I will never take for granted. I wanted to give back so I began volunteering with Macmillan as a cancer buddy, providing support for individuals going through cancer. I am also the founder of a Cancer Care resource at my workplace. This includes training managers to assist employees diagnosed with or affected by cancer, a cancer buddy system, and a SharePoint site containing stories of lived experiences and comprehensive information all supported through Macmillan.
I will be forever grateful to my family, friends and medical teams that got me through my cancer treatment.