Maria Elliott was told her cancer was too advanced to be operated on
Maria Elliott(Image: Cancer Research UK)
A Leeds mum told she had 12 months to live has recovered from her cancer after a recent advance in treatment.
Maria Elliott, a mum-of-two, was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. From North Leeds, Maria needed to undergo a lumpectomy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy, before having a preventative hysterectomy after heavy bleeding the following year.
She recovered, and began taking part in charity fundraising and volunteering.
However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she began to experience pain while eating, and problems with her bowels. At first, she thought she might have gallstones, IBS, or a hernia, but, following a CT scan, it was found she had cancer in her left lung.
This was completely unrelated to her previous breast cancer, and she was soon booked in for surgery. When she woke up, her husband, David, and her surgeon, informed her the cancer was so advanced it could not be removed, and so surgery had to be abandoned.
Maria said she felt this was an instant “death sentence” after she was told she had less than 12 months to live, and that she needed chemotherapy as soon as possible. The day before she has due to start this, a set of results came back on a previous tissue sample which had been sent away before her surgery.
It revealed she had a mutation in the EGFR gene, which could cause lung cancer.
Maria Elliott undergoing treatment(Image: Cancer Research UK)
Cancer Research UK researches found the EGFR molecules, which were made due to instructions from the genes, can help cancers grow. The scientists then worked to develop drugs to block EGFR.
Doctors can now test if EGFR is causing a person’s cancer to grow, and can provide drugs to stop it. Maria, now aged 58, takes a pill every day, and has scans every three months, which have revealed she is cancer free.
She said: “I’d had no symptoms which would suggest I had lung cancer, so it was an absolute bolt from the blue to be diagnosed with the disease. And an even bigger shock to find out surgery couldn’t go ahead.
“I feel lucky to have been diagnosed at a time when there is so much exciting research happening and new medications for different mutations.
“I know I may not be here for every one of my children’s milestones, but I am incredibly grateful to open my eyes every morning. I love my family and I love my life, so will pursue any treatment I am deemed fit for.
“I don’t do negativity – it’s too hard to carry around. I like lightweight things – laughter, love, friends and family.”
Maria Elliott, her husband David, and their pet dog(Image: Cancer Research UK)
Maria is now working alongside Cancer Research UK to urge people in Yorkshire to donate to the charity to help fund breakthroughs like the one which saved her life. Cancer death rates have reached a record low in the UK, with a ten percent fall in Yorkshire over the last decade, proving people can make a difference.
She added: “Stories like mine simply wouldn’t be possible without vital funds to keep the charity’s researchers working towards more ‘Eureka!’ moments. But cancer remains the UK’s biggest killer, so we must continue to back research into new and better ways to beat this devastating disease. I know first-hand it’s bringing hope to thousands.
“So, I hope people across the region will give what they can.”
Cancer Research UK credits the generosity of those who support it with the success of their work in helping double cancer survival in the UK over the past half century.
Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the north, said: “With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we’re living in a golden age of research. But with nearly 1 in 2 people set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime,**** there’s so much more to do.
“Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research. More support right now could fuel faster progress than ever before and help more people like Maria live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Together, we can power the next wave of breakthroughs.”
You can donate to Cancer Research UK here.
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