Helen Slade: Kidney Cancer and Turning 70

The Beginning of my diagnosis

My name is Helen Slade, and this is my kidney cancer journey. I was 68 at the time of my diagnosis and, fortunately, retired. It was December 2022, and we had moved into our bungalow earlier that year in February.

After experiencing haematuria (blood in my urine) for two days, I sought advice from my doctor through their e-consult system. The surgery contacted me almost immediately and asked me to come in that same day. While at the surgery, after ruling out obvious causes, I suddenly developed severe pain in my side and nausea.

A doctor was called in from another room. After taking one look at me and hearing my symptoms, he referred me to the hospital on a two-week emergency appointment. I was given a prescription for antibiotics and sent home. At no point was cancer mentioned, and I assumed I must have a kidney stone.

A sudden hospital stay

I quickly became very ill, and my husband called 111. They advised that an ambulance be called, and I was taken to the hospital, where I spent 24 hours undergoing routine tests and a CT scan. Before I was discharged, a urologist informed me that he was 95% certain I had Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) and that I would likely need surgery to remove my kidney. The conversation was brief and clinical, leaving me in shock.

Preparing for surgery

Determined to avoid Covid or any infection that might delay my operation, we cancelled our planned family Christmas, and I withdrew from social activities. My focus became getting as fit as possible for surgery, so my husband and I went walking every day, avoiding unnecessary contact with others.

Surgery and recovery

I live on the Isle of Wight, so my radical ureteronephrectomy surgery took place on the mainland in Portsmouth in February – exactly two months after my diagnosis. I was fortunate to have a highly skilled surgeon who specialised in robotic surgery techniques.

To my surprise, I was discharged the very next day. Unable to get a ferry home in time, I spent my first night post-surgery on a put-you-up bed in a Premier Inn! Before leaving the hospital, I was shocked to learn that I would need to inject myself daily for a month – something that had not been mentioned once before.

Despite this, I made a good recovery (perhaps all the walking helped!), and I was lucky not to need immunotherapy. It was offered to me, but I decided against it as I felt – and still feel – so well.

Life after cancer

I recently had my second annual scan, and I remain cancer-free. However, I know that anxiety about my diagnosis will always linger, no matter how calm I appear to others.

People rarely bring it up anymore, as it feels like ancient history to them. But for me, it’s still part of my daily life. I carefully monitor my fluid intake and have adjusted my eating and drinking habits to support my health.

After my last scan in December 2023, the urology consultant told me I had made a remarkable recovery – “considering your age!” I think it was meant as a compliment, though I wasn’t entirely sure!

A milestone celebration

In August, I celebrated my 70th birthday with my family, and I felt incredibly grateful to have that opportunity.

Thank you for reading my story – I hope it encourages you to listen to your body when something doesn’t feel right.