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Thank you for saving my life

0 Comments | Citizen Gloucestershire, The, Mar 1, 2010 | by Fiona Dryden

A MUM whose life hung in the balance has paid tribute to the efforts of the doctors and nurses who saved it.

Caroline Meadows was diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries after visiting her doctor with a swollen stomach and groin pain.

The 45-year-old, of Eastern Avenue, Gloucester, was sent for an ultra-sound scan and immediately diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

She was told she would need an operation to remove them straight away to prevent the deadly disease from spreading.

But two days after her operation at Cheltenham General Caroline’s lung collapsed and doctors were forced to fight for her life.

She said: “At the same time as being diagnosed with cancer they told me I had fluid on my lung but it was the cancer they were most concerned about.

“I was rushed to intensive care after my lung collapsed and I spent six weeks in hospital.

I remember my twin daughters coming in to see me and they were so worried and scared but the doctors and nurses were great.

“They sat them down and explained everything. It really helped to reassure them and I’m just incredibly grateful, not just for that but for the amazing care I received.”

Caroline also had her uterus removed and part of her bowel where the cancer had spread.

She is now receiving chemotherapy treatment but is recovering well.

“I take anti-sickness drugs and they really help me. My hair’s thinning but I know without the care I got I just wouldn’t be here,” she said.

Now a fundraising evening for the intensive care ward which cared for her is set to take place on March 6 at Coney Hill Rugby Club from 7pm until late.

Musical entertainment and refreshments will be available as well as a disco for families.

Tickets cost Pounds 4 for adults and Pounds 2 for children.

Caroline’s daughters Charlie and Carolynne, pupils at Beaufort Community School, are in the process of selling raffle tickets for the event which has a top cash prize of Pounds 150 and a second prize of Pounds 50.

Caroline added: “My husband, Royston is also helping out and I’m really proud of Charlie and Carolynne for getting involved.” A spokesman for the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “It’s always good to hear that our patients have been so impressed with the care and treatment at our hospitals.

“We’re delighted Caroline is putting so much effort into fundraising activities while she continues her treatment, and would like say thank you as well as wishing her all the best for the future.”

SUPPORT: Caroline and husband Royston. Below with daughters Danielle, 19, and Charlie 12.