"I wanted to post my story here, because I would like people to know about the fantastic treatment I received"

In January this year (2014) I was presented with the words most people dread..."It is cancer" I can remember every sound around me, the faces of the people in the consulting room, the sound and tone of the Consultants voice so vividly, it feels like it was only yesterday.....I was terrified.

My journey had begun. The MRI scan followed a week later, and in late Feb 2014, stage 2b node positive mixed carcinoma of the cervix was confirmed. A PET/CT was arranged at St James's Institute of Oncology, Bexley Wing, Leeds. My treatment remained at St James's until it ended in early May 2014. My treatment consisted of 28 sessions of external radiotherapy, five cycles of Cisplatin Chemotherapy and three brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy)

I received my treatment schedule and began treatment on the in late March 2014.

I wanted to post my story here, because I would like people to know about the fantastic treatment I received and it's thanks to this amazing team of dedicated people that I feel like I have a future, and some hope back in my life. My Oncologist, Dr R Cooper....I can't thank her enough. Dr K Cardale, all the wonderful nurses on the Oncology Day case Unit, All the radiographers and HCA's I came across. I hope they are all so proud of the amazing work they do. They were all so friendly, supportive and professional.

The brachytherapy team made the whole process easy for me. It's scary the first time not really knowing what is going to happen, being taken into an operating theatre. The nurses on this ward were so friendly, they put me at ease straight away. I can't thank them enough for their professionalism, the chats and lovely cups of tea. Dr Cooper and Dr Cardale, again, they made me feel safe. Everything was explained to me and I felt totally at ease with the procedure. The Dr who administered the anaesthetic, I'm sorry I don't remember his name, but he was great. I was a nervous wreck the first time, but he put me at ease, and to be treated like a person, and not a number was wonderful. He even bought me a Costa coffee. It's these little things that mean a lot.

My scan results this week have shown that there is no sign of the disease. I am over the moon.

The professionalism, dedication and friendliness of the whole team I came across during my treatment was outstanding. I will still be having clinic check up's with Dr Cooper and scans over the next five years, but I know, from my personal experience, that If I need more treatment in the future, I would feel safe in the care of the team at St James's Institute of Oncology.

Thank you!

Before my diagnosis I was planning going back to college and studying nursing. This was put on hold and my future was uncertain. I am now making plans, I'm going back to studying next week and hope to follow a nursing career. If I can become even half as good a health professional as the team at St James', I will be happy.