Blood cancer: Marie Quarterman's story

Meet Marie Quarterman

Marie Quarterman is a 57-year-old businesswoman from Birmingham. In 2018, her schedule was jam-packed juggling a fulltime career, working closely with schools, and spending time with her family.

Marie was recovering from a recent bereavement and thought she was just run down.  Feeling tired, lacking energy, and generally feeling unwell with a sore and swollen throat, she could feel and see numerous bumps in her neck and became concerned about her overall health. She had lost a lot of weight and was becoming increasingly fatigued. Marie visited her GP for further advice and was told she had a virus that would improve over the coming weeks. By this time, Marie's colleague became so concerned by her condition that she reached out to their private health insurance company in the hope Marie could have further testing at The Priory Hospital in Birmingham.

Marie was seen by an ENT (ears, nose and throat) specialist at The Priory Hospital within five days of her initial enquiry. However, the ENT specialist made a direct referral to haematology as they felt Marie required further investigation. She was referred to Dr Prem Mahendra, consultant haemato-oncologist, who spoke to Marie about her symptoms in detail and diagnosed her with Mantel Cell Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects your immune system.

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that happens when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. Lymphocytes help fight infection throughout your body, which is why lymphoma is often also referred to the cancer of your immune system. It affects your lymphatic system, a complex network of tubes (lymph vessels) and glands (lymph nodes) that contain a fluid called lymph. As well as carrying nutrients to cells, your lymphatic system helps drain waste and excess fluid from different parts of the body and transport these to your bloodstream to be processed, keeping you healthy.

The most common symptom of lymphoma is painless swelling in your neck, armpit, or groin. Fevers, night sweats, weight loss and increased fatigue can also be symptoms of lymphoma.

Marie’s treatment at The Priory

Marie initially underwent chemotherapy treatment every three weeks at The Priory Hospital. The Highbury Centre is bright, modern, and fully equipped with the latest technology. The centre is staffed by a dedicated cancer care team, there to support each patient throughout every aspect of their treatment journey. During her time at The Priory, Marie was visited regularly by a clinical nurse specialist who provided emotional support throughout her journey. She was there on treatment days, during clinics, and available to talk to for advice and general comfort via phone calls when needed.

Natalie Smith, a haematology specialist nurse at the Priory, explains: "Patients at The Priory have their chemotherapy delivered in individual pods or bedrooms depending on their specific needs. Nursing care is personalised and consistent throughout, meaning your nurse will be there whenever you need them. Haematology patients are also supported by a specialist nurse throughout their journey, assessing their individual needs and using a holistic centred approach."

Although lymphoma can increase your risk of infection and cause a weakened immune system, Marie continued to work consistently throughout her treatment, with her company creating a 'safe space' with her own office and bathroom to reduce her chances of catching a virus or infection while unwell. Having been told by her consultant she may not be able to work for a year this was a gift particularly from a psychological perspective.

Staying positive during treatment

Marie nicknamed her weekly chemotherapy session as 'Chemo Friday' with her colleagues. Her team decided to style 'Chemo Friday' a little differently at the office to keep Marie smiling throughout treatment. 'Chemo Friday' quickly became 'Princess Friday', involving tiaras, photos, and of course cake. Members of Marie's team raised money for numerous charities - one of her colleagues even ran the London Marathon. Marie brought 'Princess Friday' to the Priory Hospital for the staff who supported her to brighten up her chemotherapy treatment, organising quizzes, cake days and fun days at the centre for the people at the centre of her treatment and recovery.

"We also have excellent inpatient facilities for those requiring more inpatient care, says Natalie. "There are six comfortable inpatient bedrooms, all of which are en-suite and eight dedicated chemotherapy pods each of which has its own accompanying triage assessment area. Each pod has an entertainment centre and offers patients privacy if desired."

In Marie’s words

Marie describes what she's learnt from her experience having cancer and being treated by such a consistently supportive team of healthcare professionals.

"My cancer experience has made me learn to stop and do things that make a positive impact on other people's lives as well as my own".

"Today marks my final day of treatment, which is slightly overwhelming. I have made personalised cards for all the Highbury team who have showered me with support and care for the last 51 months! I would usually have bought something, but this journey has taught me that stopping and doing little things for others makes a much more positive impact. It has been an emotional day, fun which seems like an off thing to say and full of gratitude".

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is hard - Prem was brilliant and gave me great advice over and above all the necessary treatment information I needed to start my journey. The first is that my phone book would get smaller. The second is to take on board all information given to you by medical professionals and do not be tempted to consult Doctor Google. I have deleted 200 people from my phonebook and replaced them with people I love having in my life. I am extremely grateful for the information and support given to me by my medical team and having once looked on Google would never do it again. Best advice - do not even be tempted.

I have had an amazing experience here, the team have not only supported me medically but also psychologically. They are amazing people who care about their patients.

They showed me how much they care in my amazing farewell positivity jar. Highbury Team, I love you all!"

Getting treatment for cancer at The Priory

If Marie's story resonates with you and you would like to find out more about our specialist cancer services at The Priory, you can call a friendly member of our advisory team for more information. You can also book an initial consultation with one of our consultant oncologists online.