Fermanagh woman grateful for quick action of NHS following shock cancer diagnosis

Denise Kettyles from Lisbellaw was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in January, 2021. A healthy lady with lots of outdoor interests, the diagnosis was very unexpected and came as a huge worry and concern to Denise.

Endometrial cancer, also known as womb cancer, is the most commonly occurring cancer of the female reproductive system and is more common in women who have been through the menopause.

Denise Kettyles. Photo: John McVitty

Denise visited her GP after having abnormal bleeding: “I thought it was a symptom of menopause, but after being strongly advised to by my practice nurse, I called my GP to book an appointment, and I was there within 30 minutes.

"My nurse told me to ring the doctors if I bled after not having a period for 12 months."

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, she explained that after being examined by her doctor she was given an appointment to see a gynaecologist.

"I had an appointment to have a camera inside and take a sample. I just thought this was routine. I thought I’d be told I’d be okay," said Denise, who was shocked when she received her cancer diagnosis.

"I thought, 'What’s she doing, telling me I’ve got cancer? Where’d that come from?' It was such a shock."

Following her diagnosis on January 26, 2021, Denise was very impressed by how quickly she was treated, having surgery on February 18.

"I received excellent and efficient service from the NHS from start to finish. I am so blessed that I was dealt with so quickly.

"In February, I went for a full hysterectomy at Altnagelvin Hospital, and was made to feel so at ease. The staff were great, and I can’t thank them enough for taking such good care of me,” she said, adding that as a worrier she was grateful that everything happened so quickly.

"I can’t believe I came through that the way I did, because I’m a born worrier but it was great, a really good service.

"I know they [NHS staff] are under pressure, but their service was 100 per cent-plus. The attention I received was brilliant."

Following her surgery which removed her cancer entirely, with no further treatment needed, Denise was referred to Cancer Focus NI’s counselling service in the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.

This service takes place in a one-to-one setting, in a safe and non-judgemental environment, with a local counsellor.

“My counsellor, Helen, was excellent. She helped me process so much of what I was going through.

"I believe going to counselling is as important as receiving surgery and medical treatment. You need to keep yourself mentally well too!

"Counsellors have helped me through and deal with a number of difficult times in my life," said Denise.

She also availed of support from other local cancer charities. "Cancer Connect gave me a lovely massage, and SWELL, they have done reflexology.

“They are all wonderful, and people should be aware that those all exist, and they are all in Enniskillen," she added.

During her cancer diagnosis, Denise's spirits were greatly lifted with the help and support of her strong circle of family and friends, who raised a phenomenal amount in her name for Cancer Focus NI.

L to R – Denise Ferguson, member of the Cancer Focus Support Group, Enniskillen, Kyle Armstrong, Sandra Smyton, Denise Kettyles and Karl Armstrong.

Denise’s family members – her sister, Sandra; brother-in-law, Alwyn; and two nephews, Kyle and Karl – wanted to show their support, so they signed up to Cancer Focus NI’s 'March a Million' challenge in March.

The aim of the challenge was to complete one million steps before the end of May to support local people affected by cancer, just like Denise. In the end, her family raised £5,901.48 in her name.

“Karl’s tenth birthday was the same date as my surgery. He was so enthusiastic!

"He kept checking his Fit Bit [health tracking device] to see how many steps he had done, and I loved this! It really kept me going," said Denise, adding: "I truly appreciate all the support I received from my friends, family and beyond – the donations, cards, gifts, best wishes, and prayers. I feel so blessed and thankful.”

Cancer Focus NI fundraiser Rosie Forsythe said: “It’s only because of the support we receive from people like Denise’s family and friends that we can continue to support local people affected by cancer when they need it the most, especially during this past year and a half.

"The funds raised by this big-hearted family and circle of friends will be used to provide support to those affected by cancer in the local Fermanagh area, as well as our other services including ground-breaking research which continues at Queen’s University, right here in Northern Ireland.”

Denise is passionate about going to your GP if something doesn’t feel right, and wants women to not assume it is a reaction to menopause.

“Thankfully I didn’t wait until my smear test scheduled for 2024 to find out if what was happening was normal.

"I am so glad I rang my GP when I did. Please, if you have any concerns, contact your GP immediately.

"I had no problems, no pain or anything. I could have just not bothered, [and] the cancer could have spread, or I could be dead.

"I'm very blessed and thankful that it was all dealt with so quickly," Denise told this newspaper.