Survivor Roll

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Survivor Roll

Carol from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Breast cancer - 1999.Still having check ups and taking medication but living normal life to the full.

Kathleen from Gateshead, UK

Breast cancer - 1990. Had radiotherapy, now discharged and have follow-up mamograms.

Michelle from Low Fell, Gateshead, UK

Breast cancer - 2002. It has been 1 year since I finished my chemo and have now had breast reconstruction it feels wonderful to have my femininity back and to feel normal again. I now can move forward and I have much more confidence in myself. It has been a hard 18 months but things look really good now.

Mark from Maldon, Essex, UK

Leukaemia - 2000-2003. After a chemo, radiotherapy and a bone marrow transplant November last year, all seems well. Planning to return to work Late July this year.

Elizabeth from Sunderland, UK

Breast Cancer - August 2002. Had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Taking medication for 5 years. Have had my first 3 month check up and all is well. Back to work full time and starting to live a normal life again. Hair has returned so the
fantastic wig has returned to its box.

Joyce Byrne from Birmingham, UK

Breast Cancer - 1999. I returned to work whilst having chemotherapy and radiotherapy with brilliant support from my employer. I have annual checks and enjoy my life and my work note: work becomes after LIFE

David from Manchester, UK

Kidney Cancer - April 2001. Have now had four 6 monthly checks and so far so good!

Sylvia from Preston, UK

Breast Cancer - 1999. I am well and looking forward to 5 year clear date.

Catherine Roche from Cambridge, UK

Breast Cancer - 2001. Iam doing well after major surgery, still have a lot of checkups, taking tamoxifen for 5 years, hopefully it won't return.

Miriam from Moenchengladbach, Germany

Breast Cancer - June 2002. In remission, just about finding my feet again !

Margaret from West Lothian, UK

Breast Cancer - November 2002 . Had six months of chemotherapy starting radiotherapy 28th July for 4 wks I am getting there.

Joan Mechen from Seaford East Sussex, UK

Ovarian Cancer Stage 3C - Diagnosed OCT 2001. I am in remission from April 2002 started my first chemo 31Dec 2001 Happy New Year eh! Went to the doctors one day a week later had a full hysterectomy and told I had cancer stage 3C. I have 3 young children. I have just done a 17 mile run,I have been back to work since September 2002 was still bald then but have a lovely head of hair now, go back for check ups every 3months and as long as my CA125 blood count is ok then off I go full time ICT Technician in a School. My motto is "I CAN'T CHOOSE WHAT LIFE HAS FOR ME BUT I CAN CHOOSE WHAT I DO ABOUT IT". From Joan enjoying every second of life and living.

Gwen from Stoke-on-trent, UK

Breast Cancer - 2003 . Just finished raditherapy back to work on the 12th of August. Feeling a bit apprehensive finding the tomoxifan a bit of an emotional drug could do with some tips to get past the weepy stage which Iwont give into otherwise feeling brill I've also just done the walk for life for the second time.

Tracey from Crowborough, UK

Breast Cancer - January 2002 . I had a mastectomy and six months chemo. I had to keep working as much as possible as my three children and husband depended on me. Physically OK now; mentally a bit below par but battling on.

Sue from Rochdale, UK

Breast Cancer - October2002 . Had chemo and radiotherapy hair growing back looking forward to getting my life back.

Vicky from Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear, UK

Breast Cancer - April 1997. Had a mastectomy. Was fortutate in not having to have chemotherapy, but had 6 weeks radiotherapy Down to one hospital visit a year, and very optimistic. I am waiting for reconstruction surgery which I hope will take place next year. I think that a positive attitude helps.

Karen from Edinburgh, UK

Breast Cancer - 1997. I am doing fine now just had 5 year check and working hard for some good holidays and a normal life

Ruth from Killingworth, UK

Cervical Cancer - 2004. I have had a bilateral pelvic lymphandectomy, and after my most recent smear test, have been given 1 year before having anymore treatment. I returned to work only 3 weeks after diagnosis and treatment.

Sue Tiffen from Chelmsford, Essex, UK

Breast Cancer - December 2000. Had first dose of chemo following diagnosis, and finished chemo May 2001. Then had a lumpectomy and lymph glands removed in June 2001 followed 3 weeks later by full mastectomy as the 'lump' was in fact 2 dofferent cancers and they wern't sure it had all been removed. There followed the usual 4 weeks of daily radiotherapy. I am now back at work with my hair nearly grown back as long as it was before the chemo. Six monthly check-ups and taking tamoxifen since July 2001 and my only complaint is the amount of weight I've piled on !!

Sheila from Leicester UK

Breast Cancer - July 2003. Had lumpectomy, radiotherapy for 5 weeks and now taking Tamoxifen. Doing okay on the whole, but suffering a few side effects from the Tamoxifen. Be relieved to hear from anyone who is also suffering side effects.

Lyn from Clevedon, UK

Breast Cancer - 2000. 3+ years on from Grade 3, chemo and radiotherapy feel well. On Arimidex and making lots of plans for future.

Patricia from Wakefield, UK

Breast Cancer - June 1999. On Tamoxifen. Had reconstruction last year which helped more than I ever realised it would. Now I feel really well and happy.

Carole from Bedford, UK

Breast Cancer - February 2001. Great. Living life to the full and enjoying every moment. I felt a fraud at the time, went through radiotherapy and chemo came through very well and am proud to be a survivor.

Linda from Bridgend, South Wales, UK

Cervical Cancer - Dec 2001. After 25 sessions of radiotherapy, 5 of chemo & 4 further intensive sessions of radiotherapy under anaesthetic plus two cysts asperated from my breast over a period of four months. 12 months leter I felt fit enough to return to work (March 2003) I now work a 4 day week and hope to continue to do so with the support of my employer Bridgend C.B.C. My check up visits to Velindre have now gone from three month to twelve months. Apart form the tiredness fingers crossed I can now get on with living. I would like to thank all who have given me support .

Debbie from Bury St Edmunds, UK

Breast Cancer - 1999. Had double mastectomy at only 33, devastated at time, but now had reconstruction and feel brilliant, living life to the full, can't wait to five years mark to wave goodbye to my nightmare.

Dorothy from Glasgow, UK

Cancer of the womb - 1988.Had a complete hysterectomy, back at work 6 weeks later. Have now gone from yearly smears to 3 yearly and living a full and happy life.

Genevieve from St Leonards on Sea, UK

Breast Cancer - October 2003 - Have just embarked on a 6 cyle course of FEC Chem therapy and then to be followed by Radiotherapy. Had a Lumpectomy and then a wider excision and then a Mastectomy. 3 aneasthetics in 3 months. Am doing fine and remaining very positive. Laughter is the best medicine. Keeping myself busy at home doing all the sorting out jobs I have not had time to do before. Awaiting reconstruction in 18 months time.

Ashley from Glasgow, UK

Breast Cancer - December 2003. Feel fantastic - was diagnosed 3 months after having my 1st baby at 32. Had a lumpectomy, then 6 months chemo & 6 weeks radiotherapy. Went to work everyday - apart from treatment days, moved house and brought up a new baby. Don`t do stress!!

Claire from Oxford, UK

Leiomyosarcoma Cancer - September 1997. I currently have 6 monthly checkups but have been in remission now for over 4 years.

Terry from London, UK

Hodkins Lymphoma Cancer - April 2001. I was told Ihad Hodkins lymphoma in the April , had my 40th birthday in the May started chemo in the June ,then radiotherapy in the November then got divorce in the December .Now 2 years on Iam still going strong .With the surport of my kids , family & loveones. 1 tip Iwould pass on always be honest with your kids & tell them from the start . It worked really well for me.

Sandie from Wimbledon, UK

Breast Cancer - 1997. Coming up for 6 years since I was diagnosed. Had radiotherapy and chemo. Worked throughout the treatment with some terrific people who kept me my spirits up. Now I have yearly check ups and am feeling really good. I am enjoying my life

Carol from Sandbank, Scotland

Small Cell Lung Cancer - February 2002. I am very well now.

Pauline from Uverton, UK

Breast Cancer - August 2003. This is my second brush with cancer having had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy 18 years ago. This time Stage 2 cancer, mastectomy, awful 6 sessions of FEC chemotherapy last one on Dec 31 2003. Now on Arimidex for minimum 5 years - going ok, some night sweats - but feeling much better. It has been hard but I have tried to maintain a positive attitude as I want to enjoy my life however long it is! My hair is growing back but still looks like at hedgehog!

Sue from Benwick, Cambs

Breast Cancer - June 2003. I'm 1/2 way through chemo, radiotherapy to follow, feel absolutely brilliant and I've been lucky with the side effects, only been sick twice out of 8 chemos - 4 more to go. Get very low emotionally, which I think everyone does. Going to fight this thing and I'm not giving in. Live life to the full.

Tracy from Newquay, Cornwall

Breast Cancer - May 2003. Lump removed followed by 6.5 weeks of radiotherapy, taking tamoxifen 1st scan this May!

Jackie from Warrington, UK

Breast Cancer - December 2002. Feeling tired but ok. Taking tamoxifen finding it hard with the side afects. Just gone back to work finding it hard going but wont let it beat me.

Debbie from Manchester, UK

Breast Cancer - 1999. Had a lumpectomy and lymph glands removed, I was only 41 and was feeling great at the time so was quite a shock to find out I had Cancer. Had six month chemo and 3wks radiotherapy. Went back to work 6 wks later. Taking Tamoxifen,my 5yrs is up in June. Had brilliant support from family and friends and just kept positive through out. Life is good now you learn to get on and keep things as normal as possible for the children.

Susan from Basildon, Essex, UK

Breast Cancer - August 2003. Diagnosed the day before I got married! Had surgery 5 days later, then went on honeymoon. Came back to all the treatment, but finished that in December. Back at work now - very tired, but very happy to be alive! On Tamoxifen for the next 5 years, so fingers crossed.........

Sue from Brostol, UK

Breast Cancer - 2003. Just had last dose of Chemo - worked while having chemo. My employer and colleagues couldn't have been better. I returned part time for first 6 weeks of chemo, HR insited that I didn't 'over do it' then full time. My employer has made me feel valued and I knew that if I did have to have time off it wouldn't be a problem. I can't thank them enough, working was normality.

Maxine from Stoke-on-Trent, UK

Breast Cancer - May 2001. Doing well. Had last op in September 2003, recovering well.

Barbara from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, UK

Breast Cancer - June 2003. Have started back at work part-time. Still feeling very tired, and sometimes very vulnerable. I had 6 months of chemotherapy and 21 sessions of radiotherapy.My treatment finished just after Christmas 2003.

Barbara from Littlehampton, UK

Breast Cancer - 1997. Also found I had diabetes - so treatment was a lumpectomy and Tamoxifen. While recovering got bad infection while on holiday recovering-emergency surgery at hospital while away left me lop-sided but ALIVE. Still have 18 month checks and mamograms. Brilliant team at Worthing Hospital Breast Care Unit. Employers were great allowing me all time off I needed. Tamoxifen + Menopause + Diabetes = not a good mix, but I am.

Kathleen Scott from Ashington, Northumberland, UK

Breast Cancer - 1989. Concerning the breast cancer I have had the all clear. I would just like to say we can survive cancer.

Anne from Ellesmere Port, UK

Breast Cancer - June 2002. Was 34 when diagnosed. Had lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. Times were really difficult but looking back, I have blanked so much of it out of my memory. Best way I think - wouldn't want to dwell on it. Bit weary about after the 5-year mark-what happens then?

Maureen from Rotherham, UK

Breast Cancer - 2003. Fine, but have lymphoedema in my right arm and find this uncomfortable/painful at times. On Tamoxifen for the next 5 years. Just started work last work and enjoying being back to "normal".

Linda from Radcliffe, Manchester, UK

Breast Cancer - 2000. Had mastectomy, 6 cycles of chemotherapy and 3 weeks radiotherapy. I went back to work before my treatment ended because I coped with it very well. I am now on Tamoxifen and have 12 monthly check-ups. It was a life changing time for me but I now feel great and am looking forward to my 5 years all clear.

Margaret from Newark, UK

Breast Cancer. I am really very well and keeping fit with yoga, line dancing and swimming.

Nicky from Wickford, UK

Breast Cancer - May 2003. I am 34.

Rowena Talbot from Letchworth, UK

Breast Cancer - 2003. Discovered a lump just before my 50th birthday. Turned out to be Grade 1 and am pleased to say it had not reached my lymph glands. Had a lumpectomy followed by brachy-therapy, which was quite different, and am now on tamoxifen. I feel just great, glad to be a survivor and looking forward to the future.

Linda from Soham, Ely, Cambs, UK

Breast Cancer - Diagnosed April 2003. This week last year is when I went to doctors after finding lump.Very emotional at this time. Most of the time feel I am winning. Had mastectomy, reconstruction and radiotherapy. Caught MRSA in hospital and some of reconstruction died. Had tram reconstruction from stomach and muscle is still attached and stretched to form breast. Didn't realise how much my mobility would be affected. Taking redundancy from work as I can't work a full day. I am a very positive person and will find a part time job to keep my brain going. Have got lots of holidays booked this year and looking forward to the future.

Suzanne from Maldon, UK

Breast Cancer - 2003. It has been a long haul these past 6 months - I'm now 9 weeks post chemo and have just completed 4 weeks radiotherapy and am back at work, although with reduced hours at present. I will be taking Femara for 5 years and apart from feeling tired from time to time am feeling very positive. I have a much more laid back approach to life now and my appreciation of the living has been greatly enhanced.

Kath Scott , UK

Breast Cancer - August 2003. I did notice your leters are from people who have fairly recently found they have cancer. I found out about my breast cancer in August 1989 aged 38. I honsetly did not think Iwould reach the big '40' but here I am 13 years later and managed to pass the '50' mark I hope this will be helpful for those just finding out.

Carol Watterson from, UK

Small Cell Lung Cancer - February 2002. I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in February 2002, a day Iwill never forget, as the doctor sat at my bedside with my husband and said, you have cancer , but dont worry when it comes to the end we will not let you suffer, we can give you pills to take away the pain. Iswitched doctors immediately and 2 years later I am still here and fighting fit, and without any pills to take the pain away, because I have no pain just the determination to stay alive. I have check ups every 3 months and everything is O.K. my husband and I have retired to scotland now and are both enjoying life to the full. My message to anybody who is diagnosed with cancer is, never accept that it is all over for you, fight it and never ever give up hope.

Trevor from Manchester, UK

Cancer of the pancreas - 1996. Just been for my annual scan not had results yet but feel ok. I had a change of jobs I trained to be a driving instructor instead of being a joiner on a building site. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the results.

Clare from Preston, UK

Breast Cancer - December 2002. Enjoying my family and life in generally. Worked through chemo and radiotherapy,had fantastic support from employers and work colleagues, they kept me sane. Just been for my first hair cut in over a year, it was a real treat, still not sure what to do with the chemo curl.

Sue Tiffen from Chelmsford, Essex, UK

Colon & Womb Cancer - 1998 / 2004. It is 7 months since surgery. I feel very tired, still no energy. Total Hysterectomy. Having night sweats. Cannot have HRT. It is not recommended because of the cancers. I am taking sage leaf at the moment but i cannot see any improvement as yet. If anyone knows anything that would help I would be grateful.

Daryl from Haverford West, Wales

Lung Cancer - January 2003. I am now in remission.

Sue from Portsmouth, UK

Breast Cancer - 2001. 3 years later (2004) found out it had spread to secondary bone cancer. 2 more chemo sessions to go this time round but have been at work all the time. Been lucky in that I don't get sick but am a bit sick of all the side effects (and there are loads!) Treatment seems to be working but can only slow down the progress of the cancer, so looks like I'm stuck with it! I'm able to lead a normal life most of the time so can't complain. Family, friends & work mates have all been really supportive & I'm looking forward to reaching my 50th in 3 years. May have to be pushed to the party but I'll be there!!!

Mark from Norwich, UK

Small Cell Lung Cancer - September 2003. Have returned to work full time, still having check ups every 2 months. Have good days and some bad but they are getting fewer. Am now looking forward to my wedding in October and fun filled honey moon in Italy!

Derek from Elsenham, Bishops Stortford, UK

Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer - April 2004. How are you now?: Optimistic. I noticed on website that Trevor from Manchester, UK Cancer of the pancreas - 1996. would like to know if it was operated upon.

Whitnee Treadway, Queen City

Breast Cancer - 2003. I am finshed with treatments,taking tomoxifan and awaiting reconstruction on Oct. 15th 2004.

Jane, Bradford, UK

Breast Cancer - September 2002. 1 year since I completed chemo and radiotherapy. Now taking tamoxifen but have managed to lose 2 stone by diet and exercise. Have given up work (Headteacher) and having a good time travelling and enjoying my life

Andrew Bates , Leeds, UK

Mouth and Throat Cancer - 2001. Now aged 26 I have fully recovered following 4 operations and Radiotherapy. I am now just trying to get back to work as an Engineer but finding it very difficult but looking at going self employed so thing are finally looking up.

Vivien , Southend on Sea, Essex, UK

Breast Cancer - Diagnosed July 2004. Just finished 6 monthes of chemo - not many side effects - mainly tiredness. Having mastectomy next week plus reconstruction and removal of lymph nodes. May need radiotherapy. Just want to get back to work and normal life again. SICK OF WEARING HATS!!! Gaining comfort from reading about other 'survivors'.