Liz Clark

I had a really bad cough that wasn’t going away and went to see my GP who prescribed me antibiotics in case it was a chest infection. After the second course didn’t work, I was sent for a chest x-ray.

Hearing I had a suspected tumour in my right lung was like being kicked in the stomach. I had no other symptoms and generally felt well, so when the biopsies were being taken to determine my diagnosis, I was in complete denial that it could be something as serious as cancer.

Following Liz’s diagnosis, she underwent surgery to have the tumour removed where surgeons made the decision to remove her entire lung due to the tumour’s position.  As a result, no further treatment was required, and Liz was fully discharged two years ago.

Surgery was major and it took a while to adjust to the impact that had on my life, including having to retire early. But the cancer hadn’t spread, and as the entire lung was removed, I didn’t need to have any subsequent treatment, allowing me to focus on my recovery.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis and going through surgery was a big thing for me to deal with. But I now feel like I’ve come out the other end of it.

The grandmother of four is now determined to live life to the full, after being given what she describes as a ‘second chance’.

I’ve been given a second chance at life, thanks to my cancer being found when it was.

If you’re worried, my advice would be to get checked. It’s likely to be nothing, but if it is something, there’s more that can be done if it’s found early. I’m no longer even in remission, I’m essentially cured and that is a huge thing.

The information in this case study, including ages, are current as of the drafting date.