Stratford woman's praise for town's life-saving cancer unit

She told the Herald: “Obviously a cancer unit is somewhere you never hope to find yourself, but the wonderful people there have made the experience so much more bearable. I’m in complete awe of the work they do – from the nurses, doctors, receptionists to everyone behind the scenes. Despite being so busy, the nurses’ care and attention is second to none – they really are the kindest and loveliest people.”

A knock-on effect of Covid means that patients receiving chemotherapy are unaccompanied, which has seen nurses take on additional responsibilities.

Rachel said: “You hear such horror stories about cancer treatment, especially through the pandemic – how lonely it can be. Covid is still so rampant and we don’t’ have immune systems, so that’s understandable. But it means the role the nurses play has taken on a whole new level – they are not just there to give you your treatment, they are there to support you and chat with you. They try and sit people together – making sure new people are looked after and introduced to everyone, and that patients can support each other.

“Over Christmas me and my chemo buddies made the most of it; we rocked some festive attire – even if it was just some tinsel round the shoulders. We had carol singers from KES – they stood outside the unit – and that was lovely. There is just a very strong community feel that is so valuable.”

She continued: “I’m lucky that I caught my breast cancer early so am generally keeping a positive attitude, but I think the fact that I often leave the Rigby with a smile on my face speaks volumes.”

Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022.

“It was a real shock, especially as I was only 31 and we had no family history of breast cancer,” she said.

Nevertheless, she counts herself as “lucky”.

She explained: “I discovered a lump in late February last year and visited my GP at Bridge House. He thought it was nothing sinister, just thickened skin and benign, but said it was best to get it checked out at Warwick Hospital.”

After being referred, things took an unexpected turn.

Rachel continued: “At Warwick they discovered further along from the thickened tissue was the beginning of early-stage breast cancer. It was so small that I wouldn’t have felt about it or known about it for perhaps another five years.

“It was just one of those weird coincidences, the lump was not related to the cancer, but it highlights the importance of checking yourself and being aware of any changes in your body.”

After the cancer was surgically removed at Warwick in April, doctors decided Rachel needed chemotherapy.

She explained: “Because the cancer was found to be ‘triple positive’, so potentially quite aggressive, doctors thought it best I started chemo to stop it coming back. As I’m young, so more high risk, they wanted to throw the kitchen sink at it.”

Despite facing the challenges of cancer – including exhaustion and a spell in hospital after becoming violently sick after an early chemo session – Rachel remains optimistic.

She said: “I’ve been positive throughout just because how it was caught so early, and the amazing treatment I’ve had at the Rigby Unit and Warwick Hospital means it’s hard to be down about it.

“I’m very lucky, I realise it’s not like that for everyone. For me, there’s a lot of hope and optimism for the future.”

As well as the medical teams, Rachel said she has been hugely supported by her family, including boyfriend Sam and parents Debbie and Phil, and her colleagues at Leamington marketing agency Denfield, where she works as a copywriter.

Because of her illness, the family Christmas this year has had an extra poignancy.

Rachel said: “It’s been low key as I am still in treatment. It’s a bit of a cliché but it definitely makes you think about what’s important in life: family and friends, and making sure you’re making the most of opportunities.

“Before this I was a big traveller, and after radiotherapy in February Sam and I are hoping to explore Cuba, where it will be nice and hot.”

Coincidentally the Rigby Unit was already familiar to the Escott family. The cancer treatment unit opened at Stratford Hospital in 2017 and is named after chief benefactor, business entrepreneur Sir Peter Rigby.

Rachel recalled: “I remember my parents donating to the fundraising for the unit back in 2015 and never imagined that I would find myself as a patient here age 32, but I’m looking forward to a brighter 2023, and so much of this is down to the Rigby Unit.

“I also want to thank Sir Peter Rigby and everyone in the community who helped raise funds for the unit. It really has had a huge impact on mine and so many others’ lives – we’re so very lucky to have such an amazing NHS unit here in Stratford.”

Rachel felt it was especially important to speak up at a time when NHS staff and acute services are so embattled.

In December, she took to a forum on Facebook to share her positive thoughts about the Rigby Unit, and her experience resonated with many former and current patients with more than 600 likes and comments agreeing how lucky Stratford is to have the unit.

In a final thought, she said: “It’s horrible seeing the services being eroded in some areas. I support the nurses on strike 100 per cent They have that burden of patient care and they do such a wonderful job, and it’s not just about the pay, they are fighting for the quality of service.”

Breast cancer symptoms

The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.

You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:

• a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
• a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
• a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
• a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
• a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

Breast cancer is often thought of as something that only affects women, but men can get it in rare cases. It grows in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples.

It usually happens in men over 60, but can very occasionally affect younger men.

For more information see www.nhs.uk