Carol was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013, when she was 67.
“I went to the GP because I had noticed blood in the toilet a couple of times. I ignored it the first time, which was silly of me. But then it happened again, so I saw my doctor who said I should have had it checked the first time.”
She was referred to her local hospital, where she underwent a radical hysterectomy, which is an operation to remove the uterus, cervix and ovaries, as well as some surrounding tissue which the cancer may have spread to.
“Luckily, I was in my 60’s when I was diagnosed, so I’d already had my three children. The surgery went well, but they told me I needed further treatment to eliminate the cancer fully, as it had penetrated the muscles surrounding my womb.”
Carol then received radiotherapy, as well as a single session of brachytherapy.
What is brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy which uses small radioactive sources, placed inside the body, to deliver a dose of radiation. The source delivers radiation to the cancerous area, destroying the diseased cells, whilst damage to the healthy surrounding tissue is limited.
Brachytherapy is most commonly used for patients with cancer of the prostate, cervix, vagina or womb – like Carol.
Following her treatment, Carol was told that her cancer had been cured. She had regular checkups and scans for the next 5 years before being discharged as a patient, and she remained in remission for 10 years in total.
Targeted treatment gave Carol new hope
In 2023, Carol noticed another bleed. After contacting her GP, she was immediately referred to The Royal Marsden, under the care of Susan Lalondrelle, Consultant Lead Clinical Oncologist.
Initially, Carol received chemotherapy and immunotherapy to shrink her cancer. However, Carol was not able to stay on this treatment for long, as she experienced negative side effects.
“At this point I thought that there was no more treatment they could give me, which was obviously quite scary. I was surprised and very happy when they informed me that they were going to try a new brachytherapy treatment.
“They told me it had improved greatly since my last brachytherapy treatment 11 years prior as they could now target the exact spot where the cancer was. This gave me new hope.”
Receiving life-changing brachytherapy
In May 2024, Carol had four sessions of brachytherapy at The Royal Marsden.
“The visits went off without a hitch. I was concerned at first, because the placement of the needles meant that I had to lay still on my back for 48 hours each time. However, the staff were amazing and did everything they could to make me very comfortable.
“It was much more precise than the brachytherapy I had back in 2013 – it was amazing to see how far the technology had progressed in a decade.”
“The new brachytherapy worked, eliminating the cancer. It was amazing, especially because I thought I’d had my last chance after the chemotherapy and immunotherapy hadn’t worked as we had hoped.”
“It’s incredible that I am cancer-free” - life after treatment
Now, Carol has been in remission for nearly two years.
“It's incredible that I am cancer-free. I’m very grateful for The Royal Marsden and for the brachytherapy I had. Without that treatment, I don’t know what would have happened, as they didn’t think they could give me anymore radiotherapy. I am just very grateful that the brachytherapy worked.”
“I feel good in myself now. I’m 79 so I am getting older, but in my mind I am a spring chicken! I only retired a couple of years ago, so I definitely have some spare time, but I love to potter around, cook and spend far too much time watching television with my husband.”
“I’ve got three children, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. I love being with them all, and it is amazing to watch everyone grow up.”
Celebrating the inspiring women at The Royal Marsden
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Carol’s remarkable story. Thanks to The Royal Marsden, she is now cancer-free and living life to the fullest alongside her family and friends.
We also want to recognise the many expert female clinicians, researchers, and staff at The Royal Marsden whose dedication drives life‑saving treatment and care, benefiting patients not only across the UK, but around the world.