Experiences
Susannah Bray
The actress Susannah Bray has appeared in many musicals, plays and on television. Musical credits include Fiddler on the Roof with Topol, Sweeney Todd and Annie. She has also been seen as a witch in Macbeth and in the national tour of Roald Dahl's The Witches. Other West End credits include Harold Pinter's The Hothouse, Cole Porter's Can Can, and most recently playing Mrs Fezziwig in Scrooge with Anthony Newley. On TV she has appeared in The Gingerbread Man, Life Without George, The Bill, and Grange Hill.
Two years ago I was appearing at the Bristol hippodrome with Anthony Newley in Scrooge when I discovered that I had ovarian cancer. I was in great pain, found it difficult to breathe and to perform. A local GP diagnosed ovarian cysts and I was taken into hospital to have the cysts removed. After their removal and a hysterectomy, the cysts were found to be cancerous. As there was a possibility that there might be cancer cells left in the area, I was advised to have further treatment.
My initial reaction was not to tell anyone about my cancer, but soon I had to come to terms with my condition and told friends but not prospective employers. I felt it was difficult enough to find work in my profession.
My oncologist was very encouraging and optimistic. The first question I asked was 'Will I ever go on stage again?'. A six-month course of chemotherapy followed my operation, and because I did not suffer the side effects usually associated with this treatment, I was able to carry on working as normal in Grange Hill and a BT commercial. I found that throughout my chemotherapy singing helped me to relax and I was soon taking requests from other patients, causing hysterics among the nurses.
The experience of having cancer was traumatic for me as I have no family, but with tremendous help from my friends I go through it. Last Christmas I was back doing Scrooge, singing and dancing in the West End, playing the part of Mrs Fezziwig. This year I hope to go to Europe with the show.
I feel fit and well and have received the all-clear after each check-up. I no longer keep my condition a secret - not even from my employers.
Susannah Bray
Benefits fiasco
Having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 1994 and undergone extensive surgery, I subsequently underwent two courses of chemotherapy, one of which was a Taxol trial, and radiotherapy. As a consequence of this treatment, I had to give up my business three years ago.
At the time of diagnosis I received no information whatsoever regarding my right to obtain benefits. It was not until March 1997, quite by chance, that I was made aware that I had always been eligible to receive benefits.
After many telephone calls to Grimsby DHSS office and extensive form-filling, I was asked to attend a medical examination with an appointed GP. In spite of the fact that this GP must have been well aware from my medical file that my condition was that of ovarian cancer with metastases of the liver, I was asked to touch my toes and finally pronounced only 20% disabled! I was therefore unable to qualify for any benefit and was told not to reapply until the year 2000! I was devastated and found this statement an insult to cancer patients.
Having read the article in the Ovacome summer newsletter about benefits entitlements, I applied for Disabled Living Allowance under special rule. This produced an immediate response from the Leeds head office - plus an apology.
If only I had been informed by the Grimsby office of my correct entitlement, how much distress this would have spared me!
On a lighter note, I am now in remission and feeling fine.
Cherrill Staves
Caistor, Lincs
Caroline's story continues
Two Weddings and No Funeral
1993
August My middle daughter Suzi married Andrew.
September Began to get chronic indigestion. Youngest daughter Amanda announced engagement to Edward.
Mid September Stomach swelling. GP diagnosed hiatus hernia, prescribed Gaviscon, stomach getting bigger. Badgered another GP to look. He organised scan and blood test.
October Ovaries removed plus two huge malignant tumours. Cancer had never crossed my mind. To be told I would lose my hair was worse than diagnosis.
End October First Chemo after scan. Felt as if I had left the real world! Not too bad after all. Tremendous support from family and friends.
November Hair crackles and falls out. Visited young lady who makes wigs for very orthodox Jewish ladies - wonderful. Straight, shiny, streaked bob. Second treatment O.K.
December New clothes to go with new wig, which is worn all the time. Towelling turban at night, not a pretty sight without covering. Third chemo, halfway and responding. Christmas great.
1994
January Fourth chemo. Hands and feet begin to lose their usefulness. Shoes a nightmare.
February Fifth treatment. Black month. Friends all arrive with soup - never seen so may pans and bowls. Got bitten by a stray mosquito, large bites all over face - survived. It is the little things that throw you, like losing a contact lens.
March Last chemo. Felt very sick for a week but carried on working. Went to London to buy dress for Amanda's wedding. Quite thin - scan clear.
April Hysterectomy to remove all the rest of the bits and pieces - very quick recovery in time for -
May Granddaughter Emma Sophie born. Wonderful to be alive.
June Hair begins to grow. Frantic preparations for wedding.
July Amanda married Edward.
Three years and two grandsons later I am very content and although still having regular maintenance, feel wonderful!
