Laura’s Kidney Cancer Shock
Laura, 43, from Leicestershire, was completely shocked when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney cancer at just 40 years old. Laura works full-time in a leadership role at a local airport. Outside of work, she’s active in her church, enjoys reading and films, and loves to travel.
How it started
In October 2022, Laura had an ultrasound for an unrelated issue. The scan unexpectedly showed a possible mass on her kidney. A further CT scan confirmed a tumour, and she was referred to a urologist for further assessment.
Diagnosis and surgery
Laura had private medical insurance through her corporate benefits and was referred to Mr Sadmeet Singh at East Midlands Urology for minimally invasive robotic (keyhole) surgery. “Mr Singh was calm, friendly and answered every question, it really reassured me,” she recalls.
Mr Singh performed a robotic nephrectomy at the private wing of Royal Derby Hospital. Laura spent two nights in hospital before returning home. Recovery took around six to seven weeks.
Mr Singh comments: “Robotic surgery allows us to remove the kidney with smaller incisions, faster recovery times and less discomfort. For patients like Laura, it means getting back to daily life much sooner.”
Immunotherapy treatment
Following surgery, Laura was referred to Dr Prantik Das, who recommended a year of immunotherapy treatment at Nuffield Health Derby. Laura received intravenous (IV) immunotherapy approximately every six weeks. “Dr Das had all the time in the world to explain things and is always so kind and understanding,” Laura says. “The Bamford Suite team were amazing. They organised scans, appointments and even dealt with the insurers, so I could focus on getting well. But more than that, they take care of you and make sure that you get the help you need whenever you need it.”
Dr Das adds: “Immunotherapy can be challenging, but it’s an important step in reducing the risk of cancer returning. We work closely with patients to make sure they feel supported at every stage.”
Keeping positive
Throughout treatment, Laura continued working, which gave her structure and a sense of normality. On days when her energy was low, she rested, she also booked trips to keep motivated. “Having things to look forward to really helped. I even went to Venice with my family just before finishing treatment. It gave me something positive to focus on, rather than just thinking about cancer all the time.”
When treatment ended, Laura marked the milestone with a special trip. “My first holiday after finishing immunotherapy was Turkey. I did a tour around Istanbul, Troy and Ephesus. It felt amazing to switch off and just do something for myself after everything.”
Wellbeing throughout treatment
For Laura, the physical side of treatment was only part of the journey. The emotional and mental impact was just as significant. “I think you really feel the tiredness towards the end of immunotherapy” she explains. “But the hardest part came afterwards, when treatment finished. That’s when you really process everything you’ve been through.”
Laura found support in the care teams, “One of the team at the Bamford Suite told me not to compare my story to others – that your situation might not be ‘as bad’ as someone else’s, but it’s bad enough. That really stuck with me. It’s okay to have a bad day.” Throughout Laura’s journey she also found comfort amongst those close to her “Having a strong support network among family and friends was invaluable,” she reflects.
Looking back, Laura says the experience has changed her outlook, “It’s about finding your new normal and giving yourself time to adjust. Planning holidays and having things to look forward to make a huge difference.”
