“I’ve gone from the darkest depths of worry, back to happiness and a wonderful future to look forward to.”
It was winter 2023 and 72-year-old Joy Falconer, from Wimborne in Dorset, was enjoying a well-earned holiday, feeling happy, healthy, and without any major concerns. Life was good.
Occasionally, she felt a twinge in her chest or noticed that food took slightly longer to go down. It wasn’t painful – just a little uncomfortable. Like so many others, she dismissed it as indigestion or simply one of the inevitable aches and pains of getting older.
But when she returned home, things changed. The chest pains intensified, and the sensation of food sticking in her throat became more frequent. At first, she wasn’t overly concerned, but deep down, she knew something wasn’t quite right.
With the new year came a resolution to put her health first. Joy booked an appointment with her GP, Dr Andrew Redman – a decision that would ultimately save her life.
An unexpected cancer diagnosis
During her consultation, Dr Redman took her concerns seriously. Though he reassured her that there was no immediate cause for alarm, he made the crucial decision to refer her for a Fast Track hospital appointment. That quick-thinking action changed everything.
Tests followed swiftly, and soon, Joy received the news she never expected to hear – she had cancer of the oesophagus, cancer of the food pipe. The diagnosis was a devastating shock, but her doctors made it clear: there was a path forward, and she was not alone in this fight.
Surgery was the only option, but before she could undergo the procedure, she needed four rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour. The treatment was tough, but Joy faced it with unwavering determination, taking each day as it came, knowing every step brought her closer to survival.
Facing surgery with courage
With chemotherapy complete, Joy placed her trust in the expertise of her surgeons Andrew Cowie and Richard Byrom. They reassured her every step of the way, preparing her for the complex, life-saving procedure ahead.
The operation was long and intricate. Understandably, Joy felt nervous, but she drew strength from knowing she was in the best possible hands. When she woke up, she knew the hardest part was over. The tumour was gone. She had made it through.
“On the day of the surgery I took a deep breath and the next thing I knew, I was waking up and it was done,” said Joy.
Less than a week later, Joy was discharged. Recovery wouldn’t be easy, but being back in her own home, surrounded by familiar comforts, gave her the motivation to push forward.
The final hurdle
After surgery, Joy continued with regular check-ups. To ensure that no traces of cancer remained, her doctors advised four more rounds of chemotherapy.
This phase was even tougher than she expected, particularly in the weeks following surgery when her body was still healing. But she kept going, knowing how far she had come and how close she was to the finish line.
Then, in late October, the moment she had longed for arrived – she was officially cancer-free. As she rang the hospital’s victory bell, she felt the full weight of her journey lift. The hardest fight of her life was behind her.
A new outlook on life
Looking back, Joy is astonished by how much has changed in just one year.
“I look back at it now and cannot believe what happened in a year. I’ve gone from the darkest depths of worry back to happiness and a wonderful future to look forward to. My life is very much back to normal. I am fully recovered with a new lease of life ahead of me,” said Joy.
Her family will never forget the incredible care she received. Joy says they owe their deepest gratitude to Dr Redman, whose swift actions set everything in motion.
“If he hadn’t acted as quickly as he did, I don’t think I would be here today. The remarkable surgeons wouldn’t have had the opportunity to remove the tumour and give me my life back. There simply aren’t enough words to express my gratitude, so I will simply say – thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Joy.
A message for others: Trust your instincts
Fiona Labrooy, Chief Operating Officer of Heartburn Cancer UK, emphasises the vital importance of early diagnosis: “Joy’s story is a powerful reminder of why we must take even subtle symptoms seriously. Oesophageal cancer often begins with minor discomfort, persistent difficulty swallowing, or persistent heartburn—symptoms that many, like Joy, dismiss.
“Her advice is clear: listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
“Thanks to her GP’s swift action and the expertise of her medical team, Joy is here today to share her journey—a living testament to the power of early diagnosis and timely intervention.
“Oesophageal cancer is often detected too late, but Joy’s story proves that early diagnosis can make all the difference. It could save a life—just as it saved Joy’s.”
Joy Falconer