‘I just thought I had a bad case of piles but it was cancer’ Wonder Woman Becky vows to keep fighting
A real life ‘Wonder Woman’ is determined to keep a smile on her face as she battles against a rare cancer.At just 51 years old, Becky Brothwell has been given the devastating news that what she thought was a simple case of piles was in fact a 7.5cm anal tumour which has affected other parts of her body.But, despite being in incredible pain, Holbeach woman Becky is refusing to let this stop her working as Crowland Parish Clerk - or rob her of a positive attitude.Wonder Woman Becky Brothwell is refusing to let cancer rob her of a positive attitude PHOTO: ILIFFE MEDIA CHRIS LOWNDESShe is due to start treatment shortly, which is hoped to be finished before the birth of her granddaughter in the summer, and is refusing to give up.Becky said: “People keep calling me Wonder Woman as she was my hero when I was a kid. I am going to keep going and keep fighting.“I have got a family and another granddaughter due in July so I have things to live for.“I have got to be optimistic - I can’t imagine leaving life yet I have to carry on and be positive.”Becky Brothwell has praised her family for their support as she battles against a rare form of cancer PHOTO: ILIFFE MEDIA CHRIS LOWNDESAnal cancer is quite rare with just over 1,700 new cases diagnosed over year - the equivalent of five cases every day - according to the Cancer Research UK website.Becky did not show any symptoms prior to Christmas but is hoping to save other lives by raising awareness of the indicators — which include passing blood and lumps.Becky believed she had a case of piles but when her efforts to treat them didn’t work, she went to the doctors on February 6.Becky Brothwell has praised her family for their support as she battles against a rare form of cancer PHOTO: ILIFFE MEDIA CHRIS LOWNDESShe was then referred to the Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group’s cancer service.Becky said: “They did an examination and referred me straight away, I knew it would be something serious.”Becky Brothwell is determined to keep fighting rare anal cancer with a smile PHOTO: ILIFFE MEDIA CHRIS LOWNDESClinicians undertook a number of scans and tried to do a colonoscopy but couldn’t do this due to the tumour.But she received the dreadful news on March 19 that she had been diagnosed with grade four cancer with leisions found in her liver and lung.She said: “As soon as I got the diagnosis that it had spread I pretty much crash landed but I have good days and bad days.“I don’t want to hurt people like my parents and my grandkids so I’m going to keep fighting. I have to keep fighting.“I have always enjoyed my life - I have never been one not to.“If I can get another ten years or if I get two I just have to keep fighting. I am not ready to go yet.“I always have a smile on my face.”Becky did not show any symptoms of the disease before Christmas but is keen to urge people to go to the doctors if they are experience issues such as changes in their bowel habits, passing mucus, pain or a sensation of a lump.She said: “I just thought I had a bad case of piles but it wasn’t - it was cancer.“The consultant I saw couldn’t believe that I didn’t have any previous symptoms of blood in my poo. If someone is concerned - they really should go and get it checked out.”While the hospital trust has breached the 62-day requirement to start treatment, Becky — who has a stoma bag fitted — is hoping to get radiotherapy and chemotherapy underway soon.Becky, who has praised the NHS staff she has seen, said: “It is nice to have my treatment plan coming so now I can prepare and get myself fit for it.”She is currently in a lot of pain - which she describes as like a ‘hot poker’ - and is on medication in a bid to try to ease that.Becky has also invested in a recliner so she can lie on her side in a bid to ease the pain but is looking forward to starting treatment.But she is determined not to leave her husband Shaun along with children Jade Brothwell (31), Charlie Brothwell (27), Benjamin Webb (30) and Leila Jordan (20) along with her three grandchildren and parents, Phil and Jan Webb, of Fleet.She also has a wonderful treat ahead in the summer when her granddaughter is born - and is looking forward to baby sitting.“It is going to be amazing to meet her. It is something positive to look forward to with treatment coming up. There is going to be a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Becky.She has also praised her employers, Crowland Parish Council, and is continuing to work as a parish clerk.Becky, who joined the council in December, said: “They have been amazing and I can’t thank them enough. They have been very supportive. I love my mob there. I hoping I can get myself back to the job I love.”Becky is also undertaking some fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Relief in a bid to help others and give something back for the ‘brilliant’ care she has received.A zumbathon was held recently in Holbeach Hub along with a fun day at Carter’s Park.Becky said: “People have been amazing and that gives me a lot of support.“People want me to carry on and that is what I intend to do. I am going to give it a damn good go.”Caroline Landon, Group Chief Operating Officer for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, said: “We are unable to comment on individual cases but can confirm that we are speaking to Mrs Brothwell directly about her care.“We recognise that we are not currently meeting the national 62-day cancer treatment standard, and we are sorry for the anxiety and distress that any delay in treatment can cause for patients and their families.“We are taking a range of actions to improve cancer waiting times, including increasing diagnostic capacity, making access to services easier, and supporting patients to be seen and treated as quickly as possible.“We continue to work closely with our partners across the Lincolnshire health system to improve performance and deliver the best possible care for our patients.”
