Jane W's story

Three weeks ago I went to my son's graduation. It was a day I thought that I'd never see. Not because I believed that my son would not get his degree - although at times things didn't always run smoothly - but because I thought I wouldn't make the ceremony. Two years ago I noticed unusual stomach pains and was first diagnosed with cancer. As the weeks went on the prognosis became worse and worse until finally the oncologist uttered the words that I never wanted to hear: "We may not be able to cure you". I asked the obvious question: "How long have I got?", but he said he didn't "want to go down that road".

However, it is now two years later and, against all the odds, I am still here. During this time I have:

• Been written off a couple of times
• Taken up approximately 16 hours of the time of three skilled surgeons at Southampton University Hospitals Trust
• Spent about 10 days in intensive care/high dependency units
• Endured 6 months chemotherapy (physically and mentally that was a horrendous experience)
• Stayed in hospital for over two months and taken advantage of the dedicated care of the doctors and nursing staff
• Been bullied and cajoled into walking again by the physiotherapists who treated me alongside the amputees (I hadn't lost a leg following my second operation, but the use of the muscles in one thigh)
• Had 80% of my liver, a section of bowel, my ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes removed
• Had such a swollen abdomen (due to fluid collection because of removal of lymph nodes) that my stitches burst open
• Had the benefit of a PET scan, several CT scans, many X-rays, countless stitches, drips, blood samples, injections and tablets
• Gone through the menopause in record time
• Suffered 4 months depression
• Lost half of my hair (although it has now grown back)
• Shrunk one inch in height
• Lost one and a half stone
• Shrunk from a dress size 14 to a size 10
• Lost the use of fully functioning nerves in my feet as a result of chemotherapy

I know I am very lucky to be here and relatively fit. I take my dogs for an hour's walk every day and I play badminton twice a week. I also went skiing this year for the first time for 42 years! I have returned to my job as a part time teacher. I could not have done all this without the tremendous help, support and prayers of all my friends and family. A special mention is due to my sisters, but even more so to my three children and above all to my husband. They have all remained positive and encouraging through the two long years. There is one other person of course, who has come along this difficult path with me. I shall never be able to prove how much difference Jane Plant's diet has made to me. I have been determined to follow it, but it hasn't always been easy. Although I love fruit and vegetables, I'm not too keen on nuts and I find it difficult to make many meals that appeal to me with tofu or beans/pulses as the protein. It is also difficult in restaurants, when everyone else is tucking into banoffee pie, to be really enthusiastic about the fruit salad. But it is getting easier and Jane has always worked hard to find suitable alternatives for me.

All I can say is I have done better then anyone expected and at the moment I appear to be 'cancer free'. So, thank you once again to Jane Plant, my family and friends, the dedication and skill of the surgeons, doctors, anaesthetists, dedicated cancer nurses, ward nurses, physiotherapists, counsellors, fellow patients, neighbours and everyone else who has helped me over the last two years. I hope my story will encourage others, as they tread along a similar path, which appears difficult at the best of times and downright impossible at others.

... Other success stories

See also some reviews of Jane Plant's books !