This World Cancer Day, Margot vows to live life to the full

After receiving the devastating news that she has terminal cancer, Dunedin Vets clinical director Margot Hunter asked us to share her story on World Cancer Day as she is determined to live the rest of her life as fully as possible.

She’s started a new clinical trial which she hopes will extend her quality of life and she plans to enjoy her love of music and sport, as well as raise as much money and awareness as she can for breast and pancreatic cancer charities in 2025.

Here, Margot reveals the impact of being told cancer has returned a second time and how she plans to keep on loving life….

SIXTEEN years ago, I was getting ready to go on a night out when I felt a small, firm nodule in my left armpit. Maybe not everyone would immediately think breast cancer, but I did. Breast cancer affects one in eight women and many men, too.

Within a fortnight I had scans, x-rays and biopsies and the results confirmed I had breast cancer which had spread to lymph nodes in my armpit.

The nurses and the surgeon were amazing. They discussed everything that could happen and what I would like to have happen.

I asked for radical surgery in the first instance, which would then be followed by six months of chemotherapy then a month of radiotherapy. I also agreed to have regular blood tests for research projects, anything which might help others.

I had a mastectomy on my son’s seventh birthday. My daughter had not yet started school.

Explaining to young children about breast cancer is not the easiest thing to do.

Soon, I started the chemotherapy, sitting for a day in hospital every three weeks, whilst drugs were administered, in a ward where so many others were undergoing similar treatment.

I felt drained and exhausted after each treatment but made sure I went for a short walk every day to keep some degree of fitness and my sanity. My hair fell out and I was surprised how quickly this occurred.

On once occasion, I had an acute anaphylactic reaction to one of the drugs and had to be revived, but I was getting through the chemotherapy.

I did the Edinburgh Moonwalk with my daughter, Laura, to raise money for cancer whilst undergoing chemotherapy, together with most of the surgery team, helping to raise money for breast cancer research.

It is one of many events I've done over the years, including the Race for Life, below, with my colleagues from Dunedin Vets.

I was told that I could not be near animals, so my veterinary career went on hold. I did whatever I could in the admin department whenever I felt I was able. Eventually the chemo was complete, and I think I came through it pretty unscathed.

The radiotherapy was straight forward after I had my marker tattoos. I just had to lie still every day for a short time, five days a week for four weeks. I really had very little adverse reaction to the treatment. I then needed on-going medical treatment with monthly injections for five years and medication which I took for 10 years.

I was working as normal a year after my surgery. There were ups and downs, mood swings and tears, but the support of family, friends and colleagues saw me through.

As the years rolled on, I felt I had come through a huge challenge, but always at the back of my mind like the Sword of Damocles hanging over me was the thought that the cancer would return.

I remained pretty fit, taking part in lots of charity walks and runs for Cancer Research as well as loving my family life and my veterinary career.

A few years ago, I had a several fainting episodes and, after an investigation, I was diagnosed with a mild cardiac condition, a left bundle branch block.

Devastating news

While it did not require medication, I occasionally faint. I continued to be monitored for the condition and in January 2024 I had a routine check with my cardiac consultant.

He was pleased with how I was but asked for a cardiac MRI scan for completeness and I underwent this the following October.

The news I received afterwards was devastating.

He called me late on a Friday evening after I was home from work. His words will forever be ingrained in my mind: “Your heart is no worse but it looks like you have pancreatic cancer which has spread to your liver.”

I could not believe it.  Here I was, a fit 61-year-old, loving life, thinking about retiring in a year or so, and with everything to look forward to.

Soon afterwards, I had CT scans and a liver biopsy, with everything confirming what had been seen on the MRI scan.

It is hard to deal with a cancer diagnosis once, but twice and being told it is stage 4 and terminal was overwhelming.

I discussed options with my oncologist. There is a standard chemotherapy protocol used for pancreatic cancer, but they were about to start a trial with a new regime.

 I asked if I could be considered for this and was fast tracked onto the trial, which started on the January 16th. It will be repeated fortnightly until….who knows.

I continue to be well and able to do things, but I’m tired, mainly due to my interrupted sleep pattern.

I have no symptoms, which seems to be the norm with pancreatic cancers, especially those at the tail of the pancreas like mine, and 80% of these cancers are not diagnosed until stage 4.

I await to see what affect the treatment has on me. It is frightening to think I feel well now and the treatment will probably make me feel worse.

Will it give me increased life expectancy and quality of life? I don’t know, but it’s worth trying. I’m not finished yet.

Running to raise money

This year, I aim to take part in several charity events, with raising money for breast and pancreatic cancer research foremost in my aims. I have signed up to do ‘run a mile a day’ for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Laura is running the Edinburgh half marathon in May, fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support. The Macmillan nurses have already been very helpful.

I have started writing my life story, which I always planned to do when I retired. I am attending music and sporting events and doing things I want to do, and why not?

Anyone who would like to donate to Margot’s JustGiving page, you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Margot1736410285852

VetPartners will part-match all donations made to Margot’s JustGiving page.

If you, or someone you know, has been impacted by cancer and you would like support, there are lots of resources available:

• VetPartners offers access to counsellors or therapists through Health Shield. Call 0800 028 1963 and quote VetPartners.

• Macmillan Cancer Support offers a helpline and online chat services where trained professionals provide emotional support and practical guidance. Helpline: 0808 808 00 00

• Cancer Research UK provides information on what to do if you’re worried about cancer, including symptom checkers and guides on seeking medical help.

• Maggie’s Centres provides free emotional, practical, and social support to people with cancer and their families. They have centres across the UK.