My Cancer Journey | Led by Caroline Sanderson
Ladies Tea & Chat 21/08/24
In 2022, Caroline decided it might be time to step away from her career as a project manager in the tech industry. After many years in the field, she felt ready to embrace a quieter life with her husband and their beloved dogs in their new home. In 2021, the couple had relocated from the south coast of England to West Yorkshire, returning to a place they cherished.
As part of settling into their new life, Caroline registered at a local GP surgery. By a stroke of luck, she was sent for a routine mammogram two years earlier than usual. She had no symptoms—no lump, no pain—so the results were unexpected and concerning: the mammogram revealed cancer cells.
The diagnosis led to a lumpectomy, confirming the presence of cancer. Fortunately, the type of cancer she had did not require chemotherapy, which came as a great relief. However, surgery to remove the lump and subsequent radiotherapy were necessary. Caroline was fortunate to have private health insurance through her job, allowing her to undergo treatment at a private clinic, where the operation was scheduled promptly.
On the day of the surgery, her husband and sister accompanied her to the hospital. The operation was a success, with the cancer completely removed. After a few weeks of recovery, she began radiotherapy treatments in Leeds. The process was physically demanding; the area to be treated was tattooed, and she found it quite sore throughout the sessions. Despite this discomfort, Caroline felt incredibly grateful. She had the support of her family, and the entire process—thanks to early detection and private healthcare—was smooth and straightforward.
Looking back, Caroline often reflects on how differently things might have turned out had she not moved to Yorkshire. Without the early mammogram, the cancer could have progressed unnoticed until her next routine screening. She now strongly advocates for the importance of mammograms, emphasizing that her cancer was detected long before any lump appeared.
Caroline’s story is one of gratitude and perspective. She considers herself fortunate to have had access to early detection, efficient healthcare, and the unwavering support of loved ones during her journey.
Conclusion:
The session feedback was positive overall, sparking reflection on whether private healthcare is necessary in the UK. Opinions were divided: some participants praised their experiences with the NHS, while others shared fewer positive stories. The discussion highlighted varying perspectives on healthcare access and quality in the UK.
