I am a 57 year old lady who has always been extremely healthy (despite having a constant battle with being very overweight - obesity, as we now know, is being linked to Cancer). I have worked within the NHS as a Manager for almost forty years and apart from three spells in hospital (a hip replacement and two others about to be explained) I have never had a day's sickness from work - I have worked full time since I was 18 years old.

In the Summer of 2002 I had what I thought was a nasty flu bug, however, this was diagnosed by my GP as an Erysipelas Infection (this is a bacterial infection and it was thought I must have had a break in my skin somewhere to allow the infection to enter). I was admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary following a Renal appointment and was an in-patient for one week whilst the infection was treated.

Early in 2003 I had an Ultrasound taken (this is routine six months after such an infection) to check that there has been no damage to the kidneys. The left kidney could not be observed and I was speedily sent over to have a CT Scan. So much for 40 years in the NHS that no warning bells even rang with me! That said, my guardian angel was watching over me as, had I not had the need for this investigation, my story could be a very different one.

Bear in mind that I have never had any symptoms at all at any stage in my journey.

The following day I was at work (in fact attending a meeting outside the workplace) when my husband received a telephone call at home from the doctor at the Royal Infirmary asking me to contact him. The outcome was that my kidney could not be observed as there was a 7cm tumour on it. Out patient appointments swiftly followed and four weeks later my left kidney and tumour were removed by Mr. Michael Aitchison at Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow. I spent just over a week in hospital and the care was wonderful. A number of CT scans took place during my time as an inpatient.

Whilst being looked after at the old family home, wonderfully by one of my sisters (I am sure I would never have recovered so well without her care)and with marvellous support to my husband from another sister and family members, I recovered well, however, I did take a nasty infection which took a little time to get over.

I had no radiotherapy or chemotherapy follow-up. Mr. Aitchison was conducting a research trial but, due to the infection, it was decided not to be included in this.

After three months off work I returned full-time. I have been extremely well since then with ongoing scans.

Originally all the scans were clear (apart from one which worried Mr. Aitchison - resulting in a short admission to have a biopsy) - this turned out not to be simply scarred tissue in the kidney bed area.

However, in November 2006, my scan (taken in a pristine new scanner) showed some spots on my lungs and lymph nodes. Originally it was thought that these were only being picked up due to the new improved scanner but present thought is that they had perhaps broken away from the renal tumour before it was removed.

Although there are multiple spots on both lungs they are very small (the largest being one cm). I have had two further scans over a six month period and the spots have not changed at all - the next scan is scheduled for four months ahead - September 2007.

I continue to be extremely well and (I thank God daily) - all seems to be stable at present. I live an absolutely normal life with no symptoms at all; undertake a demanding job and travel extensively - Turkey, USA, India, Caribbean Cruises - unfortunately without insurance to cover my Ca condition..... But that is another story ....

My ongoing care is at the Oncology Renal Clinic at which Mr. Aitchison is also present and we presently "watch and wait" - if and when scans show a growth in the spots or nodes or should I suffer any symptoms, treatment would then be considered - likely to be Interferon. I read also of the new drug Sutent and the campaign to make this available to those who could benefit from it.

I am delighted to learn of the James Whale organisation and would like to support it in the future - it is good to have a forum for my particular type of Ca from which to learn and also to raise awareness with both the medical profession and the public. It is encouraging for me to learn of the journey of James Whale, Nicolas Owen and others who have travelled the same journey as myself - I hope my story will encourage others just starting out on it and I would be happy to communicate accordingly.

No one wants to learn they have Cancer and, of course, it is a tremendous shock to take this in. We need to remember that these days Cancer is a disease with which one lives and, although life threatening, there are many other chronic conditions which can be more unpleasant day to day. So much more can be done and we need to remain positive. It can be boring to read that having Cancer is "life changing" - but for me I have certainly taken stock - I relish every day of good health and thank God for it; many issues have now been put in perspective and I treasure what really counts. I try to do all the things I would like to do and look forward with great hope to many more healthy years.

Mrs Julie Martin
Glasgow