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An inspirational midwife who battled aggressive cancer has tackled a 100-mile bike ride just months after completing chemo treatment.
Leisa Foad, midwife and ward manager at the QEQM Hospital in Margate, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma last summer, affecting her spleen, stomach, pancreas and left lung.
She was treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy and finished treatment last November, returning to work the following month.
Amazingly Leisa, who turns 50 in January, took up cycling when she was ill and just nine months after completing her treatment raised £1,000 for Lymphoma Action at the 100-mile Ride London event.
The Herne Bay mum, who has previously run the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK, says she found it hard to run during the cancer, which is why she got into cycling and walking.
"I would walk the dog as much as I could and I loved being able to get out on the bike," she said.
Leisa was diagnosed after visiting the doctor with stomach pains she initially thought was caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Blood tests suggested it could be an infection or bowel disease so she was referred to a specialist by her GP, but a scan revealed a possible lesion on her spleen.
She was booked in for an operation to remove it but, during the procedure, surgeons discovered cancer which had spread to her other organs.
"I hadn’t had a day off work ill since having flu more than 20 years ago, so it was quite a shock," she admitted.
"But I am quite an optimistic person and I always try to look at the positives.
"Lymphoma responds well to treatment and I had amazing care from the surgeon and the whole team of nurses, doctors and domestic staff on Brabourne ward and the Cathedral unit at Kent and Canterbury.
'My goal is to outlive the five-year free prescription card they give you' - Leisa Foad
"They couldn’t have been more caring and supportive."
In July doctors told her she was in remission.
She said: "I have a number for the Macmillan nurse specialist and I can ring if I’m worried but other than that I’m free to get on with my life.
"I think it is always in the back of my mind, and every twinge or niggle I have a moment where I wonder if it’s coming back.
"But I don’t think about dying. My goal is to outlive the five-year free prescription card they give you."
Leisa has other goals too – including completing her third London challenge, the Serpentine swim.
But she also cherishes the little things, such as walking the dog in the woods or family days out.
She said: "We used to put things off until another day, but that day is never guaranteed so now I try to grab things while I can.
"I treasure the time I spend with family and friends, and I’m doing a job I love.
"My girls still need their mum so I have no intention of going anywhere.
"The figures they use vary, and at one point I was told my prognosis might be anything between 50 and 90% of surviving the next five years.
"But I’m determined to outlive that card!"
