In 2016 I received the worst call of my life, when the doctors called to confirm that my biopsy had shown cancerous cells.

It all started at the end of 2015. I was up to date with all my smear tests but something just didn’t feel right.  It began with constant stomach cramps and irregular bleeding. I visited my GP who referred me on for further tests. I wasn’t too worried at this stage as the GP couldn’t see anything significantly wrong; however, luckily she referred me on anyway.

After that initial phone call I had the most horrendous week of my life, going for scans and further tests to confirm how bad and how far gone the cancer was. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t stop crying, I’d even started planning my funeral. All this, whilst trying to stay strong and be normal for my boys who were 13, 10 and 6.

The scans showed I had a 6cm tumour just inside the nick of my womb, plus 3 lymph nodes in the pelvic area showed as cancerous. 

I was referred to Mount Vernon Cancer Centre for further tests and to start my treatment, which included radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy.  It was such a daunting and surreal experience, however, it was made better by the most amazing staff and patients at the centre. The staff made me feel at ease and gave me the boost to believe I was going to be ok.

My oncology nurse Kath Cremmins, was an angel; I really don’t know how I would have got through this nightmare without her. She supported me the whole way through, answering questions and being there for me at my darkest times. She kept me positive and kept me going.

After an agonising 3 month wait to have my post treatment scan, it showed my cancer had almost all gone, bar one lymph node.  In September 2016 I was delighted to hear I was cancer free. I can’t describe the joy I felt when I told my children, family and friends the news. It honestly was the best moment of my life.

Now two and a half years later, I am thankfully still cancer free and have check-ups every six months with scans once a year.

I really could never thank Mount Vernon Cancer Centre enough for saving my life and for supporting me through the toughest time of my life. They made sure my children still had their mum.  Even though the cancer has gone, the fear never leaves you, however, I know that the staff at the Centre are always there to support you at any time. That is why I decided for my 40th birthday this year, and my son Joe’s 16th we would sign up to raise funds for the Centre by doing a Charity Sky Dive.  The money raised will help other people in my situation and give them the support and the chance to beat this awful disease.