Nicky's Story: 'I felt wrapped in cotton wool'
With cancer diagnosis rates continuing to rise1, there is a growing awareness that improving patient outcomes is about more than just the treatment itself, as Vitality member Nicky found out first-hand.
When Nicky noticed a breast lump in September 2023 she assumed it was probably nothing but quickly booked a Vitality GP appointment to get it checked. As soon as Nicky spoke to a Vitality consultant, arranged through her private medical insurance plan, it wasn’t the news she was hoping for.
“From day one, my Vitality consultant said it’s highly likely it’s cancer,” recalls Nicky. “It was a real shock,” she adds. “I was fit and healthy. I really looked after myself."
Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer in women in the UK, with one woman diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes and around 55,000 diagnosed each year 2.
"It's a situation where you can't control anything, but I didn't have to worry" - Nicky
Thanks to improvements in detection and treatment, like any cancer, the outcome is more likely to be positive the earlier it’s picked up. Getting access to the right care and lifestyle support, particularly during and after diagnosis, is also vital to aid recovery.
'It was seamless, there was no stress involved'
After the initial shock of the diagnosis, something Nicky describes as making her feel “really numb”, she began her care journey with Vitality. Making her first major claim, she was amazed at how seamless it all was.
“There was no stress involved, no worry, no anxiety, no waiting. I had my results, and I knew what was going to happen next,” says Nicky.
“It’s a situation where you can’t control anything,” she adds, “but I didn’t have to worry.”
Within three weeks, also through her health insurance, a valve was fitted into her chest to allow for blood tests and for her chemotherapy to be administered. Following that, she had to endure three weeks of daily radiotherapy.
'My personal support throughout the whole journey'
For many people undergoing cancer treatment, it can often feel a lonely experience, even with family around to support them.
Fortunately, Nicky had access to the Vitality Member Care team of trained medical professionals and cancer claim specialists.
“Almost immediately I was phoned by a customer support person at Vitality, who became my personal support throughout the whole journey”, she says.
When a pink package arrived in the post containing a water bottle, notepad and blanket, Nicky said she was filled with the feeling she wasn’t alone. “I felt like I’d been wrapped in cotton wool from the very beginning with Vitality.”
Along the way, she knew what was coming next thanks to the Vitality Care team and felt supported by the specialists at GenesisCare, where she received her treatment. “The nurses at the clinic were amazing. I did have a laugh with them as well,” she says.
The road to recovery
But it wasn’t just clinical care that helped her get through it. Nicky also took advantage of physiotherapy with a personal trainer provided as part of the Vitality’s Cancer Treatment Support Programme, which provides nutrition, mental and physical health assistance during chemotherapy.
“Fitness was a big part of my life even before I was diagnosed, but it became even more important”, says Nicky.
To give herself the best possible chance of recovery, she became more mindful about what she was eating and stayed active by walking the dog in the woods every day – come rain or shine.
She meditated using the Headspace app, also available to Vitality members, and gave up drinking alcohol. She also maintained her ‘Platinum’ status by drawing upon the Vitality Programme to keep her motivated. “We’ve become a bit obsessed with getting our steps and earning Vitality Points.”
In October 2024, she was given the all-clear. “To actually hear your consultant say it’s all gone is an amazing feeling.”
A new lease of life
To celebrate, Nicky and her extended family – with husband Brian and their kids – enjoyed a holiday to Greece soon after. “And I did have a glass of champagne on holiday,” she says.
For some additional rest and relaxation, she’s also going to Champneys, courtesy of Vitality, offered to health insurance members who’ve been through cancer treatment to provide a much-needed break along with some peer-to-peer support from others who have had similar experiences.
The whole experience has given her a fresh outlook. “I try not to worry, as much as I did before,” she reflects. “And just live in the moment. Sometimes, I look up at the sky while I’m walking the dog and think ‘life’s good’.”
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