Fighting the odds – Sharon’s journey to beat cancer
What began as a persistent night-time cough during lockdown quickly spiralled into a life-altering diagnosis for Sharon. With hospitals overwhelmed, uncertainty looming, and the clock ticking, she suddenly found herself facing the daunting reality of advanced lung cancer. Fortunately, thanks to her private medical insurance Sharon was able to access expert care at The London Clinic, where she was eligible for a ground-breaking immunotherapy treatment that turned her diagnosis around and gave her hope for the future.
In late June 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Sharon began experiencing a persistent cough that only came at night. “I’d be coughing and coughing every time I lay down to sleep,” she recalls.
As a former smoker, Sharon knew not to ignore the signs. Despite having a clear chest X-ray a couple of years earlier, something didn’t feel right. When her GP couldn’t see her due to lockdown restrictions, she was advised to go to A&E. After a weekend in hospital and a CT scan, Sharon left with a vague but worrying report mentioning ‘ground glass opacity’.
“I thought, ‘What on earth is that?’. I knew it wasn't good, but I didn't know quite how bad it was.”
Ground glass opacity (GGO) refers to hazy areas on lung scans, which can indicate anything from infection to other respiratory disorders, or potentially cancer, as in Sharon’s case.
“That’s when I met Dionysis, because he works in the NHS as well as The London Clinic. He was fantastic,” Sharon says of her consultant oncologist, Dr Papadatos-Pastos. “They did a liver biopsy and then a PET scan. He told me: ‘I’m sorry, Sharon, but you lit up like a Christmas tree.’”
The scan showed the cancer had spread, from her right lung to her liver and chest bone, confirming a diagnosis of advanced lung cancer.
In August 2020, Sharon began a week of radiotherapy while undergoing further tests to determine whether she was suitable for targeted immunotherapy. At this point Sharon hadn’t matched with any of the forms they had tested for, but there was one more option, a treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. To be eligible, Sharon needed to be at least a 50% match.
“It was terrifying waiting for the results,” Sharon admits. “I was told if this didn’t work, I’d be looking at a life expectancy of six months.”
Then came a life-changing phone call.
“I’ll always remember this moment, it was a beautiful summer’s day and we were sitting in the garden when Dionysis rang. He was over the moon- I’d responded as an 80% match for the treatment. I’ve never scored 80% on any test in my life! It was a real turning point, because then there was hope.”
With the public health system overwhelmed by COVID-19, treatments and operations being delayed, Sharon’s husband suggested using the private health insurance provided through his business. This decision led her to The London Clinic, where Dr Papadatos-Pastos could continue her care.
“I was looked after so well and I’m not just saying that,” she insists. “I had some very low moments over those years, but the care was exceptional. During lockdown, all my treatments were done at home which was a relief because we were so worried about COVID.”
By March 2021, following months of treatment, Sharon’s scans showed a complete metabolic response, which was a moment of incredible relief for her and her family.
But the treatment journey wasn’t without its challenges. Sharon experienced side effects including swollen knees due to her steroids, and she suffered a mini stroke and two seizures, although thankfully without lasting effects. A blood clot was also discovered during a routine scan and managed with medication.
Then in April 2022, Sharon was admitted to The London Clinic with a severe bout of colitis, likely triggered by her treatments. “That was the worst,” she says. “I honestly thought I’d never go to the toilet normally again. I was only a few sessions away from finishing treatment, so I knew I had to push through.”
Throughout these difficult times Sharon relied on the support and care of the staff at The London Clinic.
“After I spent a night lying awake from the steroids, I mentioned it to a nurse the next morning and she said, ‘Why didn’t you ring? We’re here for you 24/7.’ After that, I’d get a cup of tea at 3am and it made such a difference.”
“Everyone at The London Clinic, from the cleaners to reception and my entire care team – they were the best. I’ve been back so many times now they greet me with ‘Oh hello, you’re here again!’ It’s lovely because it feels like home. It’s somewhere I know I’m safe and in good hands.”
Since April 2022, Sharon has continued to show no signs of active cancer. Her check-ups have gradually decreased in frequency, she now sees Dr Papadatos-Pastos once every four to six months.
Now, Sharon is focusing on enjoying her life again.
“I may be on a basketful of tablets for other things due to my age, but the cancer is gone – and I hope it stays that way.
I’m not breathless which was great because I love walking. Earlier this year, we went to Scotland, to Balmoral and the Highlands, which is somewhere I’ve always wanted to see. I managed 6,000 steps each day. It might not sound like much, but it was a lot for me – and we had some beautiful days. I’m very grateful.”
