'It's made me more present': Rachel’s story

For Rachel Stevenson, life in August 2017 was a fast-paced balancing act. Running her own digital marketing agency while raising her five-year-old daughter, Lyla, left little time to slow down. So when she noticed a subtle sensation in her right thigh, about the size of a small boiled egg, she did not immediately think much of it. Even when overwhelming exhaustion forced her to nap in her car before meeting friends for lunch, she did not connect the dots.

That chance discovery turned her world upside down. Following GP appointments, an ultrasound, an MRI, and a biopsy, Rachel was given a diagnosis she never saw coming: myxoid liposarcoma.

“It was a massive shock,” says Rachel, from West Bedford, Nottingham. “I thought I was going to die. My first thought was of my daughter: will I be here for her?”

What followed was a demanding chapter: five weeks of daily radiotherapy to shrink the tumour, followed by excision surgery in March 2018 that left a 30cm scar on her thigh. Throughout her treatment, Rachel refused to let her business falter, keeping RS Media running steadily with the support of trusted freelancers.

At home, she found vital community in online patient groups, sharing experiences with others who truly understood the reality of the disease. She also relied on the quiet comfort of her cockapoo puppy, Teddy, who rarely left her side during her recovery, and the steadfast support of her parents, Loraine and Jimmy, and her brother, Dean. Her mother provided a wonderful emotional anchor, listening patiently through hours of tears and laughter.

This March, Rachel celebrated eight years cancer-free, a milestone she reached alongside her husband Matt, Lyla, step-daughter Holly, and a now very well-walked Teddy. Today, Rachel covers up to 25 miles a week on foot, visits the gym four times a week, and has completed two half-marathons, including the London Landmarks Half-Marathon for Sarcoma UK. Having reflected on everything, I’d love to include a small mention of my local doctors, St George’s Medical Practice in West Bridgford. They were a constant source of support throughout my journey and recovery. Whenever I found myself worrying about every ache, pain, or symptom, they were always kind, understanding, and reassuring. Their compassion, patience, and unwavering support meant a great deal to me, and I would really like to acknowledge the important role they played in helping me through such a challenging time.

The experience has fundamentally shifted her perspective. While she still watches her body closely, she lives without the paralysing fear that once gripped her. “People say you are so brave when you have cancer, but you do not have a choice,” she reflects. “It is like standing on a surfboard riding a wave. I thought cancer was the kind of thing that happens to other people. It has made me be more present.”

Back to main page