Cancer can occur at any age, although mainly it is a disease of older people. According to statistics, the risk of cancer increases five fold in people over 40 years of age. After coronary heart disease, cancer is the most common cause of death in the UK and on a worldwide basis, cervical cancer is the second commonest malignancy in women after breast cancer.

So, where does all this fit into my life? An active mum of 30 years of age, bringing up twin girls virtually on my own, I suddenly realised that I was beginning to lose my sparkle and energy. Is this what happens to you when you hit the 30s with a job and family to look after? I suppose so; everyone else seemed to be getting on with it, so why should I complain? The only problem was, I was in a routine of once the children were in bed, my immediate reaction was to crawl onto the sofa and doze my way through my favourite TV programmes I had been looking forward to and eventually coming to about 10 o clock, not looking forward to the prospect of dragging myself upstairs to bed. Also, I had noticed of late intermenstrual symptoms and an occasional bleed after intercourse, but I assumed other women were experiencing the same.

Again, I believed that all must be fine as I had had regular smear tests and although one or two were a recall due to a “few abnormal” cells, my doctor said” I know what you are thinking Rachael, but this often happens and then the results return with an all clear.” Fine, all was in hand until one evening, after serving the girls their much-loved fish fingers, the phone rang. This time it was my doctor, Dr Shier. I knew straight away that it was bad news as he asked if I was on my own. “Except for the girls, yes” I replied. It was at that moment, my life changed completely. “I am sorry to tell you but there has been a recall on your smear tests and you must attend the surgery tomorrow morning, first thing.” I could gradually feel myself wilting at the knees. So I was right.. my body was trying to tell me something.
Well, the next day didn’t come soon enough. I was to face whatever life had dealt me. My condition was explained, a recall on a smear test had revealed that I had cervical cancer a substantial number of abnormal cells had been detected and the options were a cone biopsy or a full hysterectomy if I wasn’t planning to extend my family. The latter would be better, ensuring that all would be taken and I would have little fear of recurrence. So decision made, it was just going to be the girls from now on and I was admitted to Falmouth hospital. The following day the operation took place. All very successful I was told and I still had my ovaries.. well that was a bonus indeed!!
A few days to recover physically at the hospital, I was then told I would have to go to Redruth hospital, as my bed was required! My transportation arrived. The ambulance drivers’ faces were a picture. They had been told to pick up a patient having had a hysterectomy. I was lying in bed with my Walkman listening to my favourite music and they just looked and smiled, obviously couldn’t find who they were looking for and walked out. Within two minutes they were back again, “Sorry, love, it’s you we are suppose to be taking, we usually take much older patients!” Flattery indeed, but I suddenly felt tearful to think that my condition was associated with women of more advanced years…..
So, Redruth, here I come for a few days and then home, hopefully. All was well; the nurse laughed and informed me that my scar was shaped like a smile. As far as I was concerned, the sooner it healed the better so that I could get on with my life….. but not to be, it wasn’t over yet….. The 6 week check up revealed that I would have to have further treatment,” belts and braces” as they called it. This meant radiotherapy at Redruth Hospital, where I would have to lie on my back for 5 days with a capsule inserted inside me with a radioactive needle. “Kill anything off, that will,” retorted the nurse, as she handed me my breakfast, safely hiding herself behind a protective screen! That was her permitted visit that day, it would be a different face for coffee and then lunch. The days in my isolated room were long and very lonely; I couldn’t wait for my “release” day.

This may sound a horrendous experience to go through, but at no time did I think I would die. My doctor was amazing, if he hadn’t have pursued my tests and listened to my plea of really not feeling well, I would probably have soldiered on for another year. The staff at both hospitals were kind and encouraging, always there for me. Never divulging too much at a time, allowing me to come to terms with the reality of my condition and then go on to face the next chapter. Check up appointments became less frequent, I felt so well and returned to my job within a few months. I was in no doubt that I had been lucky and now reaching my mid fifties, I am living life to the full with my wonderful supportive friends and family both here and in the Midlands.

I have so many people to thank for allowing me to survive this disease, but most of all I feel privileged to have met Jeanette here at our local leisure club. She has sheer determination, creativity and a wonderful zest for life. PANTS is here to stay and I am so proud to be part of it.
Rachael Curnow (22.9.2008)

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