First clinical trials patient to ring end of treatment bell at new hospital
Posted 28th August 2020
On Monday 29th June 2020 we began welcoming outpatients to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s new flagship 11-storey Liverpool hospital and less than eight weeks later our first clinical trials patient rang the End of Treatment Bell overlooking the city’s skyline.
Debbie Roberts, 61 from Liverpool was referred to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s specialist gynaecological team in May 2019 and was instantly offered a clinical trial after being diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer.
Described as ‘fast and furious’ Debbie’s initial prognosis was one of uncertainty. However, with the support of our Research & Innovation Team, Debbie was recruited to the ICON8B clinical trial and 15 months later she was able to ring the End of Treatment Bell loud and proud in her home city.
Debbie said: “There were times early on last year when we weren’t sure if I was going to get to this point, so for me to be able to ring the bell was a really special moment. Earlier on in my treatment someone rang it whilst I was at the Wirral hospital and all of a sudden I started crying little tears. When my daughter asked me what was wrong, it was then that I realised I may never get that chance. Last Thursday made me really emotional, just thinking about the opportunity I was given and that with the help and support of the research team we made it happen together – I’m so pleased.”
The ICON8B clinical trial Debbie was on involved her visiting hospital every three weeks to receive six cycles of carboplatin chemotherapy and paclitaxel chemotherapy given in two different schedules depending on which arm it was randomised to.
“Chemotherapy gives you almost a fog to brain but I never had to worry or think about anything whilst I was receiving my treatment as I had complete trust in my Research Nurse Chelcie and the Research Support Workers.
“They have been a massive part of my journey and I don’t know if they’re fully aware of just what they do – your whole being and how you feel is quite dependent on the staff and how you’re treated and they all have this thing of knowing how you’re going to feel, anticipate it and cater for it. It’s exactly what you need, they’re like a warm blanket. Not for one minute did I feel like a number, they’re like a sanctuary and you know under their care you’re going to be okay.”
Since ringing the End of Treatment Bell Debbie is now looking ahead to the future with Christmas not long around the corner and a big family holiday planned for next summer.
“Whilst we can’t get rid of the cancer, it’s not active and having rang the bell last week I feel complete. It’s time for me to get back to normal.”
