'If I do not have my leg amputated, I will die': East Hull woman faces cancer op
A WOMAN who claims it took months to confirm she has cancer will have her leg amputated within days to improve her chances of survival.
Vicki Skelton has had primary lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body's tissue, in her left leg for more than 20 years.
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Vicki Skelton has primary lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body's tissue
She said she has almost always managed the condition herself as services to control the symptoms are not available locally.
But after her leg began to bleed, and what she thought was a blood blister appeared, Vicki, 47, sought help through her GP in April and Hull's accident and emergency department in July.
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Last month, doctors confirmed she had angiosarcoma, a rare cancer of the blood vessels, and she will now have her leg amputated above the knee to stop the cancer spreading.
Vicki, of east Hull, said: "If I don't have my leg amputated, I will die.
"It started off as a blood blister and I think if they had known what it was, it might not have been like it is now and I might not be losing my leg.
"I have no choice and I'm gutted.
"After the operation, I have to have chemotherapy and, even after all that, they still don't know if it will be clear.
"They said the way this cancer works, it will go straight to the lungs. They are clear at the moment but you just don't know what's going to happen."
Vicki remains in Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham and recent tests confirmed the cancer is still in her ankle, which is why doctors have decided to amputate.
She claims her prognosis may have been better if services to manage the primary lymphoedema were available in Hull and the tumour in her leg had been detected sooner.
The nearest services for primary lymphoedema patients are in Leeds. Vicki has met health professionals in Hull, as well as Hull East MP Karl Turner, to discuss the issue.
She said there is a possibility of having an artificial limb in the future but the swelling due to her condition may make it difficult.
"I have always been a carer and looked after other people," said Vicki. "Now the roles are reversed and I will have to cope.
"I'm taking it day by day because there is so much to take in."
Vicki's partner, Sean Tierney, 50, said: "It shouldn't have come to this. Vicki has been through so much pain and suffering."
A spokesman for Hull And East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust said it was not appropriate to comment on Vicki's case.
Comments
by mi5spook
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:41AM
“If most other people were as kind, brave and strong as Vicki then the world would be a much better place...”
by mi5spook
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:37AM
“if most other people were as strong, brave and as kind as Vicki then the world would be a much better place...”
by Leesa29
Thursday, October 04 2012, 11:01AM
“To be honest it would be silly not to make a claim! I read this and thought that there has clearly been medical negligence time and time again! I also read the disrespectful comments regarding "sucking it up" well Mr Hull it really does raise the question that where were you when your ex and daughters were doing all this caring? One thing I can say about Vicki, she is going through hell at the moment and so are her family and friends, I can only imagine that reading such idiotic comment don't help her situation!!! I wish Vik all the love and luck in the world, and remember that any negative comment made on here is just from some saddo with nothing better to do then make ppl as miserable as they are!!! Epic fail Mr Hull!!!
Much love Vicki!!!!!”
by Flick
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 1:18PM
“steveodore, what Vicki and Sean do in there own time has nothing to do with you, Even though this is nothing to do with you, Vicki worked untilshe was unable to do so, as you may have seen by the pictures, Vicki is disabled and would find it extremely difficult to work with her condition.
Vicki is the most generous, kind hearted person I have ever known. Whilst she is not only fighting to be able to one day walk again, she is also battling for her life. She has had these interviews to raise awareness so others do not have to suffer the way she has. If you had any self respect at all you would write such idiotic, irrelavent comments. These comments only upset people including Vicki and her family and they do not need this added stress at this time.
Mr Hull, Vicki is as you say "sucking it up". She is just waiting to have her leg amputated which as you obviously know is not something to be taken lightly, but whilst waiting she is trying to help others by raising awareness, something I believe your ex would have done if it could save someone elses life!”
by krazy_ron
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 1:44AM
“@ MrHull:
What an uncaring individual you are. Vicki is for the fight of her life battling this cancer, and the best you can come up with is "suck it up". What's wrong with you?
I have known Vicki only a short while and have found her to be one of the kindest, most caring and now bravest individuals I have ever met.
Vicki and Sean need the support from all those around them during this trying time, and if changes are ever going to be made to the health care system, they need the support of the entire community.
You make me KRAZY!!!”
by mellons33
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 5:35PM
“she has suffered with this condition since she was 17, and the NHS has let her down time and time again, she didnt contact the HDM for a claim or for sympathy from other people, but to put the point across that there is no primary lymphademia clinics in the hull area, she is hoping that they set one up, so people with similar conidtions to her will get treatment in hull and wont have to suffer like she has. best wishes for the future x”
by Canuread
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 1:32PM
“I remember Viki from Kelvin Hall. What a shame that this girl has to though such pain and emotional trauma. Best wishes.”
by ghostwriter69
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 12:54PM
“Poor lady, but I agree with MrHull.”
by MrHull
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 10:31AM
“Whilst I can sympathise with her frustration, I have to say Doctors are only Doctors, and no
illness is beyond mis diagnosis.
My ex just recently lost her leg due to secondary Cancer, she lost her breast 10 years ago and the cancer returned last year.She was also a full time carer also because my daughter is disabled.
Now my youngest daughter had to give up her studies so she can be full time carer for Mum and her sister.
Did she go to the 'Hull Daily mail' with her story? Hell no !!!
She just accepts it for what it is, and gets on with life as best she can.
I do sympathise with your predicament but as the Australians would say .... "SUCK IT UP"
There is always some worse off than you.”
by Ace2471
Tuesday, October 02 2012, 10:25AM
“Just makes you wonder how someones leg can swell up to that in the picture before someone thinks, hang on there's something definitely not right here!
I feel for you Vicky I really do, best of luck to you & hope you get this sorted and make the best recovery you can. xxx”