Rachel Edge
Photo by MEN Media/Rachel Edge

Mum, 38, ‘Lucky to Be Alive’ After Innocent Symptoms Reveal Deadly Cancer With Just 12% Survival Rate

A mother of two from Bolton, nurse Rachel Edge, has described herself as “lucky to be alive” after what began as seemingly harmless symptoms led to a life-threatening diagnosis, reported by the Sun. Now 40, Rachel recounts how a routine endoscopy uncovered oesophageal cancer—a deadly disease that claims over 8,000 lives in Britain each year—and how early detection saved her life.

Rachel, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2022 at the age of 38, had no obvious signs of the disease at the time of her diagnosis. Her ordeal, however, has deep roots in a condition she has managed since her teenage years.

As reported by The Mirror, At 17, she was diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition often described as pre-cancerous due to its potential to increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Initially, the symptoms associated with Barrett’s oesophagus—such as persistent heartburn, a bad taste in the mouth, and occasional chest pain—were not alarming enough to prompt immediate worry. Yet, these symptoms are also potential indicators of cancer.

To monitor her condition, Rachel underwent a routine endoscopy every two years. It was during one of these scheduled appointments that a biopsy revealed a 1.7cm tumour in her oesophagus, a discovery that changed her life in an instant. Reflecting on that critical moment, she shared with emotion,

“I was extremely lucky that my cancer was caught early so I was able to have treatment. I nearly didn’t go to my appointment in 2022 because I was a student nurse and was busy and I was feeling completely fine. Luckily I went because the camera picked up abnormalities.”

The diagnosis was a shocking blow, but it set in motion a series of aggressive treatments. Rachel underwent a traumatic nine-hour surgery, during which doctors removed two thirds of her stomach and two ribs. She also endured weeks of chemotherapy designed to eradicate the cancer.

The surgery was not without its complications; during the procedure, her spleen ruptured, but thanks to her skilled surgeons, her life was saved. Rachel recalled, “I had a biopsy which resulted in the discovery of a 1.7cm tumour in my oesophagus. It was a terrible shock. What followed was a traumatic nine-hour surgery, involving the removal of two thirds of my stomach and two ribs, and weeks of chemotherapy to get rid of the cancer. My spleen ruptured during surgery but my amazing surgeons saved my life.”

Her doctor warned her that without the life-saving combination of surgery and chemotherapy, she could have lost her life “within 18 months.” Although Rachel has now been declared cancer-free, she continues to cope with the aftermath of her ordeal. She detailed her ongoing challenges, stating,

“I now have 150 staples in my stomach and 98 in my back,” and, “I’m on high-dose medication to manage the pain and I struggle with fatigue while trying to work as a district nurse and be a mum to my two young children.” The psychological toll of her experience remains significant.

“I’m also still suffering from the psychological impact of my diagnosis but overall I feel lucky that my cancer was caught in the early stages and I’m still alive.”

Oesophageal cancer, which affects the passage between the throat and the stomach, has proven to be one of the more insidious forms of cancer. With approximately 9,200 new cases reported annually in the UK and survival rates remaining dismally low, Rachel’s story underscores the critical importance of early detection and regular medical check-ups—even when symptoms seem trivial.

Related posts

Mother and Daughter, Missing for Months, Discovered Deceased in Home

George Hughes

Mom Thought Boy Was At School All Day, Then Teacher Delivers Bad News

Amelia Dimoldenberg

Before being struck by a car, the man “threatened to have fiancé’s mum knifed up

Jenifer Jain