Teacher Misdiagnosed with Stress Battles Stage Three Cancer

A primary school teacher from Lower Hartshay, Derbyshire, has revealed her battle with stage three endometrial cancer after her symptoms were initially attributed to stress and menopause. Susan “Charlie” Seargent, 56, sought medical assistance in 2020 for severe fatigue, abdominal pain, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), only to be reassured by doctors that her condition was typical for her age and profession.

During her medical consultations, Seargent received a Mirena coil and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to address what medical professionals believed were menopausal issues. Despite her discomfort, she trusted their diagnosis, although she frequently visited her GP due to ongoing symptoms.

In February 2023, while on holiday in Norfolk with her husband, Peter, 53, Seargent noticed significant changes in her urinary habits. She experienced both urgency and difficulty when trying to urinate. After enduring unbearable pain, she was admitted to the hospital, where scans revealed a large 17 cm cyst. Surgeons performed an emergency hysterectomy shortly thereafter.

Six weeks post-surgery, the news was devastating: Seargent was diagnosed with stage three endometrial cancer, which had already begun to spread. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “I don’t blame anyone. But looking back, I now see how all those little things… were pointing to something more serious.”

Throughout her treatment from August to September 2023, Seargent underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting approximately six and a half hours. Despite the physical toll, including hair loss, she remained determined to maintain her strength and spirit. She even set herself the challenge of completing the Limestone Way during treatment, stating, “I was sick, wearing a bobbly hat, holding walking poles and being overtaken by everyone. But I kept going.”

While Seargent’s resilience shone through, she faced further challenges in navigating her healthcare. It wasn’t until after her cancer treatment that she was finally able to see a menopause specialist, a wait of nearly two years from her initial referral. Unfortunately, by that time, her cancer had already progressed. She expressed concern over the missed opportunities for earlier detection, highlighting the importance of awareness: “Menopause is finally being taken seriously… but not everything is the menopause. Some symptoms can be signs of something else.”

As she moves forward in her recovery, Seargent is committed to raising awareness and funds for cancer-related charities, particularly the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. This cause is especially close to her heart due to her daughter’s friend who faced cancer at a young age. “When you think of how tough cancer is as an adult and then imagine a 10 or 11-year-old going through it, it’s just heart-breaking. That’s why I’m doing this,” she shared.

On September 7, 2023, Seargent plans to participate in the Chris Hoy Tour de 4, cycling 56 miles as part of her ongoing healing journey. She will utilize an electric bike to aid her recovery, declaring, “I’ve had ‘Cedric the cyst’ removed, and ‘Hetty the hernia’ too, and this is the next step for me.”

Seargent’s story underscores the critical need for proper diagnosis and awareness surrounding women’s health issues. Her experiences serve as a reminder to both patients and healthcare providers to consider all possibilities when addressing symptoms, particularly those that may seem commonplace.