Caroline's Story

Liver Cancer Patient

My name is Caroline, I’m a former District Nurse and clinical trainer and happily married with two grown up sons. This time last year I was unaware of what was to follow with my health, other than I was constantly feeling unwell.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2019 and subsequently went through surgery and radiotherapy.

After 6 months of treatment I still felt unwell.  Following various scans, it was revealed that I had a tumour within my liver.  I had a biopsy in December 2018 which confirmed Liver metastasis.  I had asked various consultants for help to prolong my life, sadly, all that was offered to me was chemotherapy.  As I have other health issues this was not an option for me. 

Whilst on holiday in January 2019 I read an article about Professor Lodge on how he had helped a gentleman who also had liver metastases from bowel cancer.  I read with great interest as Professor Lodge had used a technique on the gentleman that was the first in the world.  I knew I had to see Professor Lodge.

I saw Professor Lodge three days after my return from holiday.  Although excited about my appointment I did not have high expectations as I had been told by several health care specialists that there was nothing anyone could do.  As soon as my husband and I met Professor Lodge we warmed to him immediately as he really listened to my story, took copious amounts of notes and checked my medical history from the MDT meetings.  Once I had finished my story, I asked him if there was anything, he could do to prolong my life. I will never forget his reply. He said ‘you have a few options Caroline, however two weeks today I am going to remove the tumour’ My husband and I couldn’t believe it. I had been given some hope again. 

After various tests that the Professor had organised to check my suitability for surgery, I willingly had the surgery in February 2019.  Before, during and after surgery Professor Lodge and his team really looked after me. I felt “cared-for” throughout. 

It is now just over eight weeks after surgery and I cannot believe how well I feel. I no longer have any pain and have enough energy to return to exercise classes.  This is all thanks to Professor Lodge as he took a calculated risk with me where no one else would. 

Professor Lodge is an extremely skilful surgeon with years of experience, who really cares about his patients. Even with all of his experience he is a very approachable person, answering all questions asked of him. My journey isn’t over yet and thankfully neither is my contact with Professor Lodge as I am being closely monitored by him and his team.