In my final days I have the peace of knowing my doctors did everything, says Deborah James
DEBORAH James has said she feels 'at peace' with living out her final days.
The Sun writer has praised her 'heroic' cancer care team for keeping her alive.
Nominate your NHS hero here
Dame Debs was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
Since then she has tried to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and in the process has raised millions for charity.
The 40-year-old has now revealed that she owes the last five years of her life to the team at the Royal Marsden.
The team 'threw the kitchen sink' at her cancer, and 'never gave up'.
She is now urging readers to 'big up' their own healthcare heroes by nominating them for The Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards.
"In my final days, I am so grateful to have the peace of knowing that we tried everything, they left no stone unturned.
"They gave me precious more time with my husband, my children and my family, and for that we will all be forever grateful.
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep
Last year’s awards saw nominees honoured by Prince William, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and David Beckham in a star-studded ceremony screened on Channel 4 and hosted by Davina McCall.
Debs added: "I am in awe of the NHS, The Who Cares Wins Awards are the perfect opportunity to ‘big up’ heroes like these.
“Over the years I’ve been so honoured to be a judge at the awards, present awards and meet all the incredible nominees. It’s an incredible event and gives us all the chance to give our NHS heroes the recognition they deserve.
“It goes without saying that I will forever be in debt to the incredible team that have cared for me at The Royal Marsden hospital in Surrey.
“No one doctor, nurse or specialist has kept me alive for the last five years, it’s taken an army.
“I owe my five years to the team at The Royal Marsden who told me they would throw the kitchen sink at my cancer, and never gave up.
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“From the receptionists greeting me with a smile to the porters calming me down mid-panic attack en route to my scans, to the nurses holding my hands through chemo, the surgeons who have blasted countless tumours, and my oncologist, who’s overseen it all, they’ve all got me this far.
“I am so grateful to have the peace of knowing that we tried everything, they left no stone unturned.”
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