Person with a lived experience of cancer

Mike, United Kingdom

How did it start?

I felt unwell for a while and then my urine was bright orange and I was jaundice I went to hospital where they did some scans and then they have me the devastating news at midnight it was horrible as i was just left on A&E until the following morning

What was the biggest challenge(s) in your experience with cancer?

Telling the children was the worst part I have 3 daughters and my eldest was travelling across the world at the time in Australia we were due to travel out as a family to Thailand in a few weeks which obviously we had to cancel I still haven’t seen her

What helped you most?

My wife Paula was immense as were all my family The Doctors and Nurses at the MRI in Manchester were outstanding in every aspect of my care and treatment MacMillan nurses were amazing

What was your experience of the healthcare system?

The NHS were outstanding my consultant Dr Gaispandi could not have been more helpful and his professional advice and treatment saved my life

What is your message of hope or words of advice?

Always stay positive even in the darkest times and keep your family close in every way I could not have got through this without my wonderful family

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