Debbie’s stars to thank her nurse Emily, and partner Dan

Debbie’s ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment at The Royal Marsden

Debbie, 56, was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in August 2021 after she started suffering from symptoms of feeling bloated and struggling to eat and drink. She was referred to The Royal Marsden and started chemotherapy treatment almost immediately. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy, she then underwent surgery to ensure any remaining tumours were removed. 

Unfortunately, Debbie’s scans in June 2022 showed that the cancer had come back – this time in her pelvic area. She underwent further surgery a few months later to remove the tumours and continues with two different types of monitoring treatment for ovarian carcinosarcoma cancer.  

The good news is that Debbie’s scans have now been clear for more than two years, with no evidence of disease.  

Debbie has been taking part in Celebrate a Life since 2022, dedicating one star for her nurse Emily and the second for her partner Dan.  

“One of my stars is for staff nurse Emily, who works at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea" says Debbie. "Emily is very special to me. She was the first nurse assigned to me when I started chemotherapy treatment. She epitomises the dedication and brilliance of everyone at The Royal Marsden. 

I feel very lucky to have had her incredible support throughout my chemotherapy sessions – she is an angel. The way in which Emily and all the nurses in the Unit interact with their patients is so special, they make you feel like you’re the only one they’re caring for.” 

“My second star is for my partner Dan who is my absolute rock, my hero, my inspiration. Going through my treatment and surgeries, I just couldn’t have done it without him. Dan is an incredible human being and partner, he’s been so patient throughout my cancer journey and so supportive. I’m so lucky to have him by my side.” 

“Dan and I attended the Celebrate a Life service in Chelsea in 2022 for the first time and it was such a lovely event. I love Christmas and this service felt like such a wonderful way to start the festive season. Seeing all the thousands of stars on the tree amongst the twinkly lights and the patients looking down from the windows on the wards felt really poignant.” 

"We’d really recommend to other people to get involved with Celebrate a Life by dedicating a star and attending the services – it’s a very special way to celebrate the people you love whilst also supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity."