A WOMAN has shared her story about living with cancer in the hope of helping others facing a terminal diagnosis.

Diane Day, 70, was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2014 when she was living in Buckinghamshire. She has endometrial cancer - a cancer which is often successfully treated and survival is good, but Diane has not been so lucky.

She said: “I felt as if I had pestered my GPs for about 6 years before finally getting referred to see a gynaecologist. But by the time I got there, it was all too late - I was told the cancer had spread (metastasised) to my lungs – I could not believe what I was hearing. When I had hoped there would be support, but there was none – I phoned my clinical nurse specialist the day after being told this dreadful news only to find she had left – we then made the decision to move to Dorset and how different things have been since being here.”

As soon as Diane had settled into her new home in Beaminster, her new GP referred her to the Dorset Cancer Centre which operates across the county from Dorchester to Poole and Bournemouth.

"The treatment I received here in Dorset could not have been more different from what I had experienced before." said Diane.

Following gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, Diane’s case was re-discussed by the clinical team. They all agreed it was worth considering radical surgery and before Christmas 2016, Diane had an operation to again treat her cancer.

“I never thought I’d be given a second chance – living with a terminal cancer – but by having this surgery, this has given me just that – a second chance, more time and I’m feeling well. I might not be a cat with nine lives, but a second chance is more than good enough for me and I live every day to the full – I cannot thank my clinicians, nurse and surgeon enough.”

Diane also wanted to thank support charity GO Girls.

She added: “I couldn’t have got through the last little bit without their support – they not only supported me through my cancer, but when I lost my husband just before my surgery – they were there to pick up the pieces and help put me back together again.

“I cannot tell you how important it is to have support with cancer – GO Girls truly hit the spot – they are there to offer support, advice and hugs and they know how to have fun and teach you how to live with cancer to ensure you enjoy every minute of every day. They have been a life saver – the fifth emergency service.

"I never let it rain on my parade - whatever that parade looks like, come rain or shine, I live it - everyone should be so proud of the services our local hospital has to offer cancer patients - I certainly am."

GO Girls are currently fundraising for a counselling suite as part of the Cancer Appeal at Dorset County Hospital. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/just10GOGirls or to find out more about the charity visit www.gogirlssupport.org

CONTACT ME

t: 01305 830981

e: rachel.stretton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoRach