Sarah, a health copywriter, aged 47, from Birmingham, was looking forward to enjoying the first few months of married life, when her painful periods revealed a diagnosis of endometriosis and metastatic appendix cancer. Sarah’s experience became one defined by resilience, expert care and treatment at The Harborne Hospital, highlighting the powerful impact of specialist, compassionate cancer care and personal determination.

I’d lived with period pain for years, managed through regular contraceptive injections. But when medication became harder to access during the pandemic, the pain intensified in a way that didn’t feel normal. After several GP visits, I turned to private healthcare through my now husband’s employer, in the hope of finding answers.

I was referred to hospital where I had an examination, and a diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed. In some ways, this wasn’t a surprise, as my symptoms all pointed towards this. However, I was not expecting what followed.

During initial keyhole surgery, they removed some endometriosis but also discovered just how extensive it was. A follow-up MRI was arranged, and that’s when I found out that, as well as endometriosis, I also had suspected cancer. Everything moved incredibly quickly. Within three days, I was back in surgery, barely able to process what was happening.

After the surgery and additional tests, my cancer diagnosis was confirmed. The doctors explained that my cancer had started in my appendix and spread to my bowel, bladder and reproductive organs. I had a tumour the size of a small football, so no wonder I had been in such severe pain. I had a complex operation to remove both the cancer and endometriosis, and I was given a stoma. 

The diagnosis was a huge shock. I'd spent two years caring for my mother-in-law, who had cancer, and those memories were still very raw. I’d also just got married - a time that should have been full of joy - when this enormous curveball changed everything.

All of this meant that I didn’t want to know the stage of the cancer, so I asked not to be told. I was feeling vulnerable after such a major surgery and thought it would be best for my mental health if I took the next step without this weighing on me.

My healthcare team advised that although my surgery had gone well, chemotherapy would give me the best possible chance of removing any remaining cancer cells. I chose to have treatment at HCA UK’s The Harborne Hospital, because after researching, I felt confident their consultants were the best for my situation.

From the very beginning, my care felt coordinated, compassionate and truly personalised. As I’d had such complex surgery, Mr Haney Youssef, Colorectal Surgeon, saw me initially. He confirmed I didn’t need any further surgery, but I would need chemotherapy treatment; this was another difficult moment. I’d already heard one frightening ‘C word’ when given my diagnosis, and chemotherapy was another big ‘C word’ to process.

However, I felt immediately supported and cared for. My consultant oncologist, Dr James Good, was brilliant. I had endless questions, not knowing what to expect, because everyone's experience of chemotherapy is different. Dr Good was calm, honest and reassuring – exactly what I needed. Thanks to him, I felt less nervous going into my first treatment.

Dr James Good says, “Every patient is unique, and Sarah’s treatment plan was carefully tailored to her situation and her needs. After reviewing her case, we felt chemotherapy offered Sarah the most effective way to address any cancer cells that might still be present. Sarah approached this with positivity, and it has been a privilege to support her through her recovery.”

The rest of the team, especially the cancer nurses, were incredible. They explained every step clearly, made sure I was comfortable, and adapted my care based on how I coped. When the chemotherapy irritated my throat, they suggested bringing a scarf and drinking something warm – such a simple thing that helped enormously. They also made me laugh; humour is how I cope, and it meant a lot.

I had eight rounds of chemotherapy, finishing just before Christmas 2025. That felt like a special milestone - I got to enjoy Christmas dinner with family and start the new year not on chemotherapy, which felt magical.

A recent scan showed no evidence of cancer. When Dr Good told me this, he was genuinely so happy for me. Only then did I feel ready to ask what stage the cancer had been. Hearing “stage 4” after already being told I was cancer free was overwhelming - it felt extraordinary to know I had overcome something so serious. When I told the nurses I was cancer-free, they wrapped me in hugs. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

I’ll continue to be monitored for my cancer for the next five years, including regular scans, and I know I’ll be well looked after. With my endometriosis, I have had a full hysterectomy, but I will continue to be monitored for this too.

I’m early into my recovery, but I’m easing back into the things I love. I’ve returned to my work as a copywriter, now focusing on health writing, which now feels especially meaningful. I can cook again, stand for longer periods, and even make miniature dollhouses - a hobby that brings me calm and joy. 

My life has changed because of my stoma - I have to consider diet and toilet access - but honestly, it feels like a small part of the bigger picture. I even named him Stig. He can be a bit naughty and loves interrupting conversations!