In 2004 I had major surgery for bowel cancer. At the time I thought I might die: quite a scary prospect.
Previously I had been through a number of surgical procedures due to infertility. However I was extremely lucky to be successful with IVF at the second attempt. It seemed like a miracle to be pregnant after 18 years of marriage. Therefore in 2004 all I could think of was that I might not see my son grow into adulthood.
Professor Heald and his team saved my life. I shall always be grateful to have been given a second chance.
My brush with cancer has made me even more appreciative of life. And best of all, my son Yann turned 21 in 2009.
Since 2009 I have had another colonoscopy and it was a positive outcome. No polyps were detected. The staff at Basingstoke are first class and they could not be more caring. I am indebted to such a fine team.
I will continue to support the Pelican Cancer Foundation.
Written by Mrs Elena Stirton, February 2011