Mum, 27, who ‘felt like she was pregnant’ is diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer
FOR busy mum-of-two Sam Broadbent, life was just starting to return to normal after she was given the all-clear from cancer.
But within a few months the 27-year-old's world would be turned upside down.
Not only had the cancer returned, but this time it was inoperable after docs discovered a tumour which was lodged between her arteries and organs.
The warehouse worker, from Lutterworth, Leicestershire, first started feeling unwell in November 2017.
She told Leicestershire Live: "It felt like I was pregnant but I thought how can this be because I was using a contraceptive implant."
Following tests, doctors noticed a tumour and in January last year she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
'I felt loads better'
Sam, who is mum to Jacob, four, and two-year-old Sienna, opted for a hysterectomy, before undergoing intensive radiotherapy.
By June, she had built up enough strength to go back to work at the Costo wholesaler distribution centre, in Crick, near Rugby, Warwickshire.
She said: “I started to feel loads better and when I had another MRI scan in November was given the all-clear.
“I thought ‘thank God that’s all over, now I can get on with life with my life.”
But the following month, Sam - who is married to husband Luke - started experiencing shooting pains down her leg.
I thought ‘thank God that’s all over, now I can get on with life with my life
Sam Broadbent
She said that initially doctors thought it was a problem with the nerve running from her hip to her feet.
And it was only when she mentioned it to her consultant during her three-month check up at hospital that she was sent for an MRI scan.
Sam said: “That didn’t show up anything so they used a tiny camera to see if there was anything there.
“That’s when they found the first tumour in my lower bowel.
“When they did a biopsy they discovered it was the original cervical cancer that had reoccurred after my radiotherapy and spread.”
Further tests in April this year revealed the two further tumours in her pelvis - all of which were particularly aggressive and had formed very quickly.
She continued: “I’ve got three tumours in total, one in my lower bowel and two in my pelvis, but one is inoperable due where it is.
“It’s lodged in between important arteries and organs. Doctors said that if they operate there is a danger of serious haemorrhaging."
Sam says that medics told her that as she had already had the most intensive radiotherapy available, she can't have any more.
I’ve got three tumours in total, one in my lower bowel and two in my pelvis, but one is inoperable due where it is
Sam Broadbent
She has been left with the option of chemotherapy, but there's a chance it won't work because of how aggressive the cancer is.
Sam was told that proton beam therapy could, however, be an option to cure the disease.
She said: “We looked into it and there’s a greater chance of success. It is available on the NHS but there is a very long waiting list – and time isn’t on my side.
“Prague is one of the top places in the world for proton beam therapy and it would work out cheaper, despite the travelling and stay.”
The 5 early signs of cervical cancer to look out for
The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious - it may not cause any symptoms until it’s reached an advanced stage.
And some women do not experience any signs of cervical cancer at all.
This is why it’s very important that you attend all of your cervical screening appointments.
1. Abnormal bleeding (during or after sex, between periods and also post-menopause)period
2. Unusual vaginal discharge
3. Discomfort or pain during sex
4. Lower back pain
5. Unintended weight loss
Sam said: “It costs roughly £3,000 per session. I’m not sure how many times I’m going to need to go.
"It could be up to five, we just don’t know but that’s why we’re trying to raise as much as possible."
Friends set up a fundraising page on the JustGiving website to pay for her treatment, which has raised more than £9,000.
Becca Sutton, 23, from Glen Parva, who set up the appeal, said: “It started out just as a way of helping Sam and the family but now we want her to get this treatment. It’s just grown from there.
“It’s expensive treatment but she’s going to need it. This is her chance for survival. We just want to do what we can to help and everyone has been so generous.
"I know she'd do exactly the same if it was me. She's the best friend and an amazing mum."
Friend Jess Jenkinson, 27, from Lutterworth, added: “Despite all she’s going through, Sam always has a smile on her face.
“I think she is so brave. Every little donation will help. She deserves this chance – for a life with her family.”
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Husband Luke said: “Sam’s the strongest person I know. If anyone can beat this disease she’s the one to do it."
Sam will be flying out to Prague with her stepdad Andrew next week to begin her first round of treatment.
To donate to the appeal visit Sam’s JustGiving page.
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