I received my kidney cancer diagnosis in February 2025.
My cancer was discovered by chance, after I had experienced months of different symptoms. Nothing had ever been picked up on blood tests, but when my feet started to swell I was sent for an MRI scan. This revealed I had kidney cancer and my cancer journey began.
When I received my diagnosis, I was extremely shocked and very upset. I just couldn’t believe it and thought the doctors must have made a mistake. I felt as though my whole world had been turned upside down, and I just ran out of the hospital in a state of shock.
The following month I had an operation to remove the cancer. The operation was successful and thankfully no other treatment was needed, although I will need to go for check ups for the next ten years, and will be monitored closely just in case it comes back.
My cancer diagnosis has had a really profound effect on me. Before my diagnosis I didn’t understand the physical and emotional effects of having cancer. For me I felt like I had to start from scratch and rebuild my life again. It has given me a new outlook on life, and I now realise the importance of making each day count. I am determined to not take life for granted, but to live my life to the full. I hope by sharing my story it will help others.