Thanks for wonderful support

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February. It seems a lifetime ago. I was struck by the standard reaction to my plight by family and friends, some exuding the same confident opinion: "You'll be fine".

Outwardly I smiled, Inwardly I was nervous of their confidence and optimism. But I was positive.

Now, after four chemo sessions and an operation I write to praise and thank the wonderful team of people who have been looking after me. It's not easy to remember and list everybody because I am bound to miss somebody.

I cannot heap enough praise and thanks upon staff of the PRH assessment unit, Dr Ward and Stirchley Medical Practice, everyone in the Royal Shrewsbury chemo ward, day treatment centre and gynae, all magnificent in their genuine care for patients. I was even impressed by cleaning teams carrying out the daily scrub.

However, I must go to the top and thank surgeons Dr Awwad and Dr Sharon Oates. Dr Oates, in particular, kept me in positive mood. I cannot say enough about their devotion to duty, warmth and friendship which cocooned me throughout the long, hard journey of the past five months. I'm out on the other side and looking forward to picking up my life again.

There's one other element deeply etched in my memory. It embraces the heartfelt empathy of other sufferers I met in the wards. Sadly, for some there was no hope. but I remember them with pride. Thank you all, because of you, as predicted - "I'm fine!"

Cheryl Lucas, Randlay