Taking a smear test saved my life – Karen
MUM-of-two Karen Leversidge is proof of why regular smear tests are vital to beat the threat of cervical cancer.
At the age of 39, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer after a routine appointment showed cell abnormalities, which lead to a hysterectomy and a year's treatment for the disease.
With a positive attitude, partly inspired by the emotional story of reality TV star Jade Goody, Karen found the strength to fight back after experiencing the treatment and care of specialists at Sheffield's Weston Park Hospital.
She is now supporting the hospital charity's Women's Cancer Campaign, which runs throughout October and their latest fundraising event, the 5K Walk as One.
Her diagnosis with cancer came after a routine appointment for an annual check up.
"Everything was absolutely fine and I wasn't expecting there to be any problems but the nurse found an abnormality and I was referred to the Jessop Wing for some tests," says Karen, from Wincobank.
"By this point I just knew I had cancer and had almost prepared myself for it. But when my results were confirmed last year my world fell apart.
"My family were very shocked because they had really been hoping for the best and they were obviously extremely worried about me."
Karen who is married to Neil and has two sons, Lewis, 12 and Tyler, nine, says: "Being told you have the big 'c' is difficult but when it happens to you, you just know you have to carry on.
"My first thoughts were about my business – I run a small hairdressing salon in Wincobank – and whether I should shut the shop.
"But I just knew I had to keep going with a positive attitude. I think my family would say they got strength from me because I was in control of myself.
The next stage was to work out if Karen's cancer had spread.
An MRI scan revealed that the tumour was confined to the cervix - but she would still need a radical hysterectomy.
"I went into hospital for my operation and a week later my consultant told me she had good and bad news," says Karen.
"They had removed the entire tumour and my lymph nodes were clear which was great.
"But, on the down side, I would need radiotherapy and was referred to Weston Park Hospital."
She started a five week course of radiotherapy, visiting the hospital every day for treatment. "What a wonderful place, full of wonderful people – even the receptionists know you by name.
"The care and support around you provides a real boost. The treatment was tiring but it was worth it to keep the cancer away."
Karen finished her treatment 12 months ago and now visits the Jessop Wing for a three-monthly check-up.
"At the moment, I am absolutely fine. Physically I am back to normal but mentally it is tough. It never leaves you but I am hoping I am one of the lucky ones," she says.
"The death of Jade Goody made me feel very sad but also made me realise how fortunate I have been.
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Latest sport The work she did to raise awareness of cervical cancer was absolutely fantastic.
“I would encourage women to keep having their smears and be aware of the symptoms.
“Looking back I had a few of the common symptoms but I didn’t know what they were – it is important you listen to your body and if something isn’t quite right go to your GP.
“Weston Park has been absolutely wonderful to me and I would encourage everyone to support the work of the charity – it really does make a difference.
“I hope as many people as possible will support the Women’s Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of how the disease affects women and take part in the charity’s next fundraising event – the Walk as One 5k walk on October 11 to help raise as much money as possible to support people like me and my family.
“My illness has made me realise how short and precious life is. You have to grab it with both hands and I intend to. Thank you to my mum and my husband for being my best friend throughout. I love them both.”
The ‘Walk as One’ starts from Don Valley Stadium, covers five kilometres in and around Don Valley Stadium and is on Sunday October 11 at 10am.
To register for the Walk as One at www.wphcancercharity. org.uk or call 0114 226 5370 for more information.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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