Vicky Strange, a cancer care co-ordinator at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, has expressed profound gratitude to her colleagues for not only saving her life but also enabling her to continue supporting patients. In October 2023, while preparing for a holiday, she discovered a lump in her breast. She promptly saw her GP and was referred for a mammogram at the hospital where she works, thanks to a cancellation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
During the mammogram, Vicky was informed that cancer was suspected, and biopsies were taken. A few weeks later, she received a formal diagnosis of breast cancer and underwent additional tests. Just before Christmas, she had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at Lincoln County Hospital. Vicky remarked, 'The amazing team managed to squeeze me in at Lincoln as there were no times available at Pilgrim hospital. My surgeons and everyone in the team were so amazing.'
No Special Treatment
Despite being an NHS employee, Vicky emphasized she received no special treatment. 'It is simply what this team does for all their patients. They always go the extra mile, and, in my mind, they are all superheroes,' she said. Her histology results were sent to America for further analysis due to no family history or genetic indicators, leading to a second surgery in February 2024 to remove residual cancer.
Return to Work
Remarkably, Vicky returned to work in April 2024, supported by her fiancé, two daughters, and the Macmillan Cancer Care team. 'I am so grateful to be alive. Please don’t think I am simply being dramatic, but I know how time is so important and any delay can have a massive impact,' she stated. Before her diagnosis, she helped establish the UK’s first Kidney Cancer Support Group in the East Midlands and the Lincolnshire Prostate Cancer Support Group.
A New Perspective
Vicky now believes her experience gives her a deeper understanding of patients' journeys. 'I now know what it is like to be waiting for that phone call. Nervous because you need to know the results, but then also worried in case it is bad news,' she explained. She urges others not to delay seeking medical advice: 'All I can say is, please don’t ever delay making an appointment to get checked out. We are so lucky to have our NHS.'
Ongoing Recovery
Vicky still requires physiotherapy for arm movement but considers it 'a small price to pay for being alive.' She hopes her story encourages others to check their breasts and contact their GP if they notice any changes. 'If this can help just one other person, then I am glad that I have told my story,' she concluded.
