"After intermittent episodes of blood in my urine (haematuria) and one day of abdominal pain I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2005. I had my left kidney removed in August. All 'seemed' fine, as there were good margins around the cancer – I even have the photographs to prove it!

So, I went off home to rest and recuperate…a long process!

In November, I was told that I had recurrences of the cancer in the renal bed and local lymph node. These grew rapidly and I began a round of a clinical trial (RE04 three drug combination)
in January through to March this year. My disease is currently stable, as it has not grown or progressed any further, nor
has it shrunk.

I have not had drug treatment since the end of March 2006, but six weekly scans until the end of July to find out if it would be appropriate for me to start Sutent. I have remained stable and do not need any drugs. I am back onto three monthly scans and the next is due in October.

I always strive to be as positive and active as I can. I still struggle with the balance between rest and activity and very often end up very tired and emotional, as a result.

I have joined two brilliant drop-in services for people with cancer and I have counselling from the Cancer Counselling Trust.

More than ever, I try to do the things I want to do and live my life as fully as possible. It’s not always easy, sometimes a day, hour or minute at a time! I have been involved in the making of a documentary about the science and benefits of laughter and on 19 September 2006, I did a tandem parachute jump for three charities, from 10,000 feet – mainly to celebrate being alive and making it this far!"

Helen
London