Lisa’s Story

Lisa’s treatment began with surgery to remove the large tumour, followed by chemotherapy. Tragically around the same time, Lisa’s brother was also diagnosed with lung cancer with a tumour in the same place as Lisa’s–a double blow of worry and concern for the family. Within a week of Lisa’s cancer diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove part of her lung. She describes her hospital stay during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying: “The doctors and nurses were all absolutely amazing. It was tough and lonely. Unable to have visits from my family, I will never forget the overwhelming power and warmth of that nurse holding my hand tightly immediately after my surgery, I will be eternally grateful to them.”

Devastatingly, Lisa’s brother lost his battle to cancer in January 2023. Lisa said: “I will never get over his loss and miss him every single day.  He was the coolest brother you could wish for.  I will always be grateful to Velindre for trying to help him.”

Lisa thinks about cancer every day, but she’s tried to not to let it define her life.

Looking to the future

Eighteen months after she finished treatment, Lisa joined Velindre’s Cuba trek to give back to Velindre for the incredible care she received. Describing the trek as one of the hardest but most rewarding challenges she’s ever done, she said: “We laughed we cried, a lot and met some of the most inspirational people and made lifelong friends.  We all supported each other, and I simply :