 |
Sarah PeetBritish teacher, bladder cancer victim
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Sarah Pitt
Sarah Pitt is a British teacher who has been a victim of bladder cancer. For three years, Sarah suffered from unpleasant symptoms that doctors could not explain. It was only after three years that it was revealed that Sarah's illness was much more dangerous than it initially seemed, and the treatment would involve a serious surgical procedure.
Health Problems
Sarah started experiencing health problems in 2010, and she frequently visited doctors seeking answers. She suffered from a severe burning sensation during urination that did not go away regardless of the prescribed medications. The doctor attributed the painful cystitis to an infection and recommended different antibiotics. However, the disease did not respond to antibiotics or other treatments, even when Sarah tried increasing her water intake and drinking cranberry juice.
In August of a following year, Sarah noticed a significant amount of blood in her urine, indicating that her old diagnosis was no longer valid. She visited the doctor again, but this time with the addition of excruciating pain in the lower left side of her abdomen. Suspecting kidney stones, Sarah underwent an ultrasound examination, which surprisingly changed her previous diagnosis. She was informed that she was actually suffering from bladder cancer. Subsequently, Sarah underwent cystoscopy, confirming the diagnosis, and in November, the removal of the tumor was scheduled.
Unfortunately, a week later, it became apparent that the initial assumption was overly optimistic. The tumor had spread to the surrounding muscle and fat tissues. Complete removal of the bladder was necessary, followed by chemotherapy.
Misdiagnosis
The mistake made by Sarah's previous therapist can be easily understood, as urinary tract infections in women are quite common. In fact, 50% of women experience a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime. Bladder cancer, on the other hand, is far less common, and unfortunately, the symptoms of these diseases can overlap, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Treatment and Impact
The radical change in her diagnosis left Sarah paralyzed. In just a few months, she went from being a healthy person to a victim of cancer, destined to have her bladder removed and undergo at least three cycles of chemotherapy. Sarah had to temporarily stop teaching as the treatment severely weakened her immune system, making it impossible for her to interact with children. She deeply missed her sixth-grade students, yet her longing for them was the least of her problems.
In April, Sarah's bladder was removed, and she was offered the option to create a new organ using a part of her intestine. However, Sarah opted for an external urostomy pouch. The thought of another surgery seemed unbearable, and the "homemade" bladder might still require regular visits to the surgeon. The operation also meant that Sarah would lose the ability to have children, but she was not concerned about it. Ultimately, she could have lost her life.
Future Plans
In the near future, Sarah is set to undergo a new round of chemotherapy. Despite her ongoing battle with the disease, Sarah is determined not to forget about her wedding plans. Whatever happens, she plans to walk down the aisle in the summer.
