When Charlie Ross, then in his late 40s, found a lump on the side of his neck he wasn’t too concerned.
He says, “I didn’t take much notice, but my daughter said I should get it checked out. The GP didn’t think it was much to worry about, but I was seen by another doctor who referred me to an ENT specialist.”
Various tests found nothing, but finally a CT Scan showed there was something wrong – and they diagnosed Charlie with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (a form of cancer).
He explains, “The consultant explained to me that with a biopsy the needle just gets one tiny piece, but a scan sees it all. I might not be here today if they hadn’t diagnosed it when they did. That CT Scan probably saved my life.”
Charlie says, “At that first scan I already believed they’d find cancer. So I was putting a brave face on it. It was harder for my wife and family I think. We all wanted the results immediately. My consultant said I needed to start treatment very soon, as the lymphoma could have been there for some time.”
Since then Charlie has had two transplants and chemotherapy. He was extremely ill but is now in remission, confirmed by another CT Scan at the end of 2012. The transplants took their toll on his chest and he's prone to chest infections so he still makes regular visits to Salisbury District Hospital. He also needs CT scans from time to time to check he’s still clear of the cancer.
He’s a bit of an expert when it comes to CT Scans and says, “There’s nothing to it when you have the scan. Just an American voice telling you to breathe in. It’s quiet and relaxing and sometimes I almost fall asleep. Other times I get that itch you get when you’re told to lie still.”
He says “Sometimes it’s been very tough. My kids call me Victor Meldrew, but actually I feel very lucky. I always believe I’m going to be OK, even at the worst times.
In 2001 I wouldn’t have expected to be here now. It was all down to that CT Scan to begin with. Once you have the scan and get the results, the doctors can do their stuff.
A second scanner will give the doctors an even better chance to save lives.”