‘I felt wrapped in cotton wool’
‘I felt wrapped in cotton wool’
When Vitality member Nicky noticed a breast lump in September 2023, she assumed it was probably nothing. But when she saw a Vitality consultant, it wasn’t the news she was hoping for
When Nicky’s appointment with an NHS consultant was unexpectedly rescheduled, she booked an earlier one through Vitality assuming it would put her mind to rest sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, it was only just the start.
“From day one, my Vitality consultant said it’s highly likely it’s cancer,” she tells Vitality Magazine, her voice breaking as she relives the moment her world was turned upside down.
Once her diagnosis was confirmed, chemotherapy was discussed and then radiotherapy afterwards. “It was a real shock,” she reflects. “I was fit and healthy. I really looked after myself.”
“You just feel completely numb”
Nicky, 59
When Vitality member Nicky noticed a breast lump in September 2023, she assumed it was probably nothing. But when she saw a Vitality consultant, it wasn’t the news she was expecting
When Nicky’s appointment with an NHS consultant was unexpectedly rescheduled, she booked an earlier one through Vitality assuming it would put her mind to rest sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, it was only just the start.
“From day one, my Vitality consultant said it’s highly likely it’s cancer,” she tells Vitality Magazine, her voice breaking as she relives the moment her world was turned upside down.
Once her diagnosis was confirmed, chemotherapy was discussed and then radiotherapy afterwards. “It was a real shock,” she reflects. “I was fit and healthy. I really looked after myself.”
“You just feel completely numb”
Nicky, 59
Nicky tells her story
For Nicky, making her first major claim with Vitality, she was amazed at how seamless it all was.
“It’s a situation where you can’t control anything,” she tells us. “But I didn’t have to worry.”
When a pink package arrived in the post containing a water bottle, notepad and blanket, Nicky said she was filled with the feeling that she wasn’t alone. “I felt like I’d been wrapped in cotton wool from the very beginning with Vitality.”
Within three weeks, also through her health insurance, a valve was fitted into her chest to allow for blood tests and for her chemotherapy to be administered. Following that, she had to endure three weeks of daily radiotherapy.
Along the way, thankfully she felt supported by the Vitality Care team and the specialists at GenesisCare, where she received her treatment. “The nurses at the clinic were amazing. I did have a laugh with them as well,” she smiles.
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For Nicky, making her first major claim with Vitality, she was amazed at how seamless it all was.
“It’s a situation where you can’t control anything,” she tells us. “But I didn’t have to worry.”
When a pink package arrived in the post containing a water bottle, notepad and blanket, Nicky said she was filled with the feeling that she wasn’t alone. “I felt like I’d been wrapped in cotton wool from the very beginning with Vitality.”
Within three weeks, also through her health insurance, a valve was fitted into her chest to allow for blood tests and for her chemotherapy to be administered. Following that, she had to endure three weeks of daily radiotherapy.
Along the way, thankfully she felt supported by the Vitality Care team and the specialists at GenesisCare, where she received her treatment. “The nurses at the clinic were amazing. I did have a laugh with them as well,” she smiles.
WOMEN will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK1
The road to recovery
But it wasn’t just clinical care that helped her get through it. Nicky also took advantage of physiotherapy with a personal trainer provided as part of the Vitality’s Cancer Treatment Support Programme, which provides nutrition, mental and physical health assistance during chemotherapy.
“Fitness was a big part of my life even before I was diagnosed, but it became even more important.”
To give herself the best possible chance of recovery, she became more mindful about what she was eating, and stayed active by walking the dog in the woods every day – come rain or shine - no matter how bad she felt.
She meditated using the Headspace app, also available to Vitality members, and gave up drinking alcohol. She also maintained her ‘Platinum’ status by drawing upon the Vitality Programme to keep her motivated. “We’ve become a bit obsessed with getting our steps and earning Vitality Points.”
In October 2024, she was given the all-clear. “To actually hear your consultant say it’s all gone is an amazing feeling.”
A new lease of life
To celebrate, Nicky and her extended family – with husband Brian and their kids – enjoyed a holiday to Greece soon after. “And I did have a glass of champagne on holiday,” she laughs.
For some additional rest and relaxation, she’s also going to Champneys, courtesy of Vitality, offered to health insurance members who’ve been through cancer treatment to provide a much-needed break along with peer-to-peer support.
The whole experience has given her a fresh outlook. “I try not to worry, as much as I did before,” she reflects. “And just live in the moment. Sometimes, I look up at the sky while I’m walking the dog and think ‘life’s good’.”
To help support early detection of cancer, Vitality members with a qualifying health plan can access a cancer risk assessment through our partner Check4Cancer, which can identify if you are at higher risk of five common cancers – bowel, breast, cervical, prostate and skin cancers.
This can be done through Care Hub and you don’t need a referral to access this care.
