The discovery of a lump in my left breast, came as a bit of a surprise. Having found it late on the Friday night because it was uncomfortable to sleep on my left side, Graham, my husband, rang 101 on Saturday morning. We were immediately referred to Stroud Hospital where I was given antibiotics, just in case it was just an infection! I was required to make an appointment to see my GP, which I did on Monday 29 February. I was then referred to Cheltenham breast clinic. Within two weeks of discovering the lump, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to wait another 2 weeks for a biopsy report. Unfortunately this was not conclusive, so I had another biopsy. 6 weeks after the discovery of the tumour, I was told the cancer hadn’t spread. I was booked in for a mammoplasty. I would have been given a choice, but Mr Hunt, my surgeon said he didn’t want to leave me disfigured! The choice would have been – a lumpectomy, mastectomy or mammoplasty. To have a boob job on the NHS is a bonus!
Having shared her cancer journey with so many people we felt it was only right to also share the end of that journey with all her followers.
“Having had a hospital bed delivered I was now sleeping downstairs, although comfortable this was the first time in 33 years I had slept apart from my husband.
The weather was gorgeous over the bank holiday weekend and my family managed to help me get outside so I could enjoy the sun. On the Monday I felt it was too hot so had to sit in the shade (I have never asked to go in the shade in my life!).
Tuesday after the bank holiday I felt too tired to attempt to get out of bed, although I could still get to the toilet with help.
Family were coming around everyday plus I had carers in the morning and at night to help me. My mouth was starting to get very dry which made speaking hard.
On the Wednesday I had a syringe driver fitted which meant that any pain was kept under control. Although it also meant I was very sleepy so couldn’t hold a conversation for long as I would get so tired, only waking for an hour or so at a time. I was not eating now, this also meant that getting up to go to the toilet or shower was getting harder.
My family were incredible, I was never alone, even at night one of my daughters would stay over in case my husband didn’t wake if i needed anything.
I found it a struggle to eat as my mouth was so dry and painful. Lime jelly, sorbet, fruit drinks and ice were the only things I could eat. I was also getting through a lot of lip salve.
I started to feeling a little anxious, worrying about things that weren’t of concern. I was given an anxiolytic in my syringe driver aswell as the diamorphine. This relaxed me, but now I was sleeping almost constantly only waking for brief moments to see my family, give a smile and get a kiss. I never knew how much I was loved until now, always having someone at my bedside.
My husband and daughters all had private chats with me, saying goodbye and that it was alright to stop fighting. I watched them as they surrounded me with tears in my eyes.
On Monday night, my husband sat with me and my hands had gone numb, I couldn’t feel him squeeze my hand. I knew the lord was waiting for me, I told him I loved him and that I was coming!
On Tuesday 5th September I woke, my hands were still numb, as the day progressed my breathing started to get noisy. Just before lunch, I heard my grandson gurgle next to me and lifted my head to see him. I didn’t move much after that, but my husband, daughters and brother knew I could still hear them, so all sat round and chatted about their memories. At 2230, I held my breath for a minute, then breathed again. Four of my daughters and husband rushed to my bedside, I held my breath again. I heard them all crying and saying they loved me, then they told me of course there would be Poldark in heaven, I laughed and let go.”
Our courageous mother was a fighter till the end and lived longer than all medical professionals said she would. She died content and pain free. We miss her so much but I hope her journey can help others in some way. We also would like to thanks so many people for following her journey and the supportive comments she has received along the way. To all those people out there fighting cancer, keep up the fight and don’t loose hope.
God bless Mummy, love Graham, Sammy, Hattie, Charlotte, Caroline, Sarah-Jane and Annette
After being sick for 2 weeks as a result of taking chemo tablets, I went into hospital very dehydrated and a bit worse for wear.
I was put on a drip and stayed in for a week. I had another X-ray and was shown the extent of the cancer in my lungs, might explain my shortness of breath too.
I caught and infection whilst in hospital and went onto antibiotics which also made me sick. My tummy was very sore from all the sickness so I was given further painkillers.
I got home and Occupational therapy made arrangements for me to have a hospital bed delivered so I could get in and out of bed easier.
I went to the breast clinic and was seen by DR Hunt straight away. He said the cancer had spread to both lungs and my liver and therefore couldn’t operate on the tumour under my armpit as he would have to take too much away and it might not heal.
I then met with DR Duncan Stow who wasn’t optimistic and said I only had months to live and would look into treatment options.
I decided to sell my car as the pain under my armpit makes it impossible to drive and I get very tired. It was sad to see my car go as I waved goodbye to my independence, but I know it’s for the best.
I started radiotherapy on 5th July on the lump under my armpit in the hope it would reduce the tumour and make it less painful.
I was admitted to hospital with reduced platelets and white blood cells on 9 June. I had several blood tests, which confirmed white blood cells were up. Unfortunately the platelets had not improved
The next treatment was on 2nd June in Cirencester for 1 hour on the mobile unit.
I had 2 hours of chemotherapy on 25th May in Stroud on the mobile unit.
Occupational therapy organised a wheelchair for me and this arrived on 11th May.
I had a consultation with Dr Bell on 16th to receive my results of the brain scan. There weren’t any signs of cancer, however there was evidence that I had experienced a mild stroke.
My blood test revealed that I was anaemic which explained my extreme tiredness. Dr Bell scheduled a blood transfusion on the 18th May. The transfusion ended up taking 7 hours for 2 pints of blood.
On the 20th May was the annual charity Grand Village Fête which I usually organise, but this year I handed over the reigns to the committee run by the beneficiaries.
The day after my 73rd birthday I flew to Lanzarote accompanied by my husband Graham, daughters Sammy and Hattie and Hattie’s boyfriend Laurence.
I was determined to go on holiday regardless of not getting full travel insurance due to my condition. Thankfully I booked special assistance at the airport and was wheeled to the departure lounge and onto the plane.
We stayed in a luxury hotel in Arrecife with views over the Atlantic and Reducto Beach. As the week progressed I experienced more fatigue and loss of appetite, but this didn’t stop me having a great time. I always enjoy myself when there’s sun, sea and of course the family.
I had my 3rd treatment of the 3rd regime on the chemotherapy bus in Stroud. It was a short 1 hour stint on 27th April.
My husband, Graham started a course for carers, run by Longfield hospice in Minchinhampton.
I wanted to hold a party with all my friends and family as a celebration of my life, whilst I could still enjoy their company and to say thanks for all of their support. The party was held on 29 April.
This was the write-up in the Stroud News & Journal the week following.
“More than 200 friends and family attended a Celebration of Life party organised by community stalwart Liz Peters. Guests came from as far as Cyprus and Northern Ireland to Skiveralls House, Chalford Hill to attend Saturday’s event organised by Cllr Peters. Commenting on the day, Cllr Peters, who has represented Chalford for 15 years, said: “My family and friends have given me great support over the past year during my treatment of terminal cancer. “I really wanted to thank them and celebrate the great times that we have had together whilst I’m still well enough, so I organised a Celebration of Life party. Guests came from as far away as Cyprus and Northern Ireland, which was a complete surprise. “Everyone said what a wonderful day it was and to meet up with friends that they had not seen for a long time. All aspects of my life were represented from mother, grandmother, sister, aunty, great aunty and community work including my role as a Conservative councillor. “MP Neil Carmichael and district councillor Dorcas Binns, who is seeking re-election as county councillor for Chalford and Minchinhampton attended, showing their support. Thank you to all who helped to make this occasion run smoothly especially our hosts Rob Airton and Mike Skinner at the fabulous Skiveralls House, Chalford Hill. I’m also thankful to the landlord of the Old Neighbourhood and Lord Chalford for providing additional parking.”
Cancer & Me 