Survivor says a big thank-you for saving her life
A CANCER survivor has raised more than £6,000 to thank a hospital unit for “saving her life”.
Nine years ago, Patricia Brackenbury was given the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, when she visited her GP after finding a large egg-shaped lump on her stomach.
The dance teacher from Llangefni was referred to Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Simon Leeson at Ysbyty Gwynedd, who, following a biopsy, carried out surgery to remove both Patricia’s ovaries and womb.
“Before I was diagnosed I was constantly feeling very ill and I found a large lump on the lefthand side of my stomach, which at first I thought was a hernia,” she said.
“The GP instantly referred me and it was then I met Mr Leeson.
“It was all very sudden, the surgery was carried out very quickly.
“I was terrified but Mr Leeson was fantastic, he assured me everything was going to be alright.
“I can’t thank him enough for the surgery.
“If it hadn’t been for him it could have spread and I wouldn’t be here now, I would never have met my grandchildren or great-grandchild – he saved my life,” Patricia added.
In the UK, ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women, with more than 7,000 women diagnosed each year.
The majority of cases occur in women who have gone through the menopause and are usually aged over 50, but younger women can also be affected.
The earlier the disease is found and treated, the better the survival rate.
Mr Leeson is urging women to speak to their GP if they are suffering from the symptoms which are related to the disease.
He said: “Treatment for ovarian cancer is intensive, it usually involves major abdominal surgery and chemotherapy.
“The outcome is improved with earlier diagnosis and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recommended women should report abdominal pain, fatigue and abdominal distension to their GP, particularly if this is persistent or occurs at least 12 times per month.”
After receiving the all-clear, Patricia has held several fundraising events to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and help boost the regional Gynae Cancer Endowment Fund, which is used to fund more research and to fund oncology-related training for nurses on the gynaecology ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Patricia added: “After I left hospital I did have to go back and forth for check-ups but they scaled down over the years.
“I wanted to give something back, especially to thank Mr Leeson for what he has done for me and giving me a new lease of life.
“I decided to hold dance fundraisers, with the kind cooperation of the Bulkeley Hotel, which have proven really popular.
“We’ve so far raised more than £6,000 for Mr Leeson’s fund, which will help them with the research that is needed into women’s cancers and help nurses get further training.
“It’s essential research carries on into ovarian cancer, but the most important thing is getting that early diagnosis before it spreads any further.
“I never thought it would happen to me. I’ve never smoked, I’ve had children who I breastfed and never really drank much alcohol so it shows it can happen to anyone, no matter how healthy you are.
“I’m just so grateful to Mr Leeson and his team at Ysbyty Gwynedd and I will continue to do everything to help them for as long as I can.”