A Co Fermanagh woman who was diagnosed with endometrial cancer last year has thanked local healthcare workers after making a full recovery.
Denise Kettyles, 54, from Lisbellaw was diagnosed with the illness last January and said it was a huge shock for her.
However, she said her recovery was helped by early detection of her cancer and quick treatment.
Endometrial cancer, also known as womb cancer, is the most commonly occurring cancer of the female reproductive system.
“I went to the doctors and was seen really quickly,” Denise said.
“Thankfully when I got my diagnosis I was at my mum’s house and I was sleeping when I heard the phone ringing.
“I answered the phone and they said for me to come in to see the gynaecologist, so I thought this isn’t good.
“I went in that afternoon and was told I had cancer. Everything moved really fast, and that was important because if I hadn’t been seen I might not be here.
“My whole body was shaking and I was in such shock because I never expected this.”
Denise added she was thankful for the support of her friends and family during that time, as well as NHS staff who were able to treat the cancer quickly.
“I received excellent service from the NHS, being dealt with ahead of time schedules, from start to finish.
“I am so blessed and thankful 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.
“All the staff were great, and I can’t thank them enough for taking such good care of me.
“I’m also blessed to have my family and friends, it’s so important to have them in my life and they helped me through it.”
An employee of South West College and an outdoor enthusiast, Denise also thanked her family members who raised more than £5,000 for Cancer Focus following her diagnosis.
“My sister Sandra and my brother in law Alwyn and my nephews Kyle and Karl took part and did the fundraising in the ‘March a Million’ challenge.
“I think it’s just amazing that Sandra took this on and got some of the family involved for a great cause.”
