My Cancer Story – Dave Betts QPM
(Never Mind It Could Have Been Worse!)
My cancer story would not be complete if I didn’t have this piece at its forefront. I would like to dedicate my success story and my journey throughout my life to the most important person who has fought alongside me and supported me during many difficult and occasionally catastrophic times. My wife Glen, my mainstay, my love and the one person who has been by my side at all times. My gratitude cannot display truly how much I owe her. Glen has also been a paramount supporter in my work to inspire others. It is because of her and some very important members of the NHS Medical profession that I am still around some 43 years since I was diagnosed with potentially life threatening malignant cancer I am so grateful to have her always by my side.
Thank you my love.
The reason I write this is because I am looking to see if there is any opportunity for me to assist and maybe inspire others with my story. I would be pleased if you could put me in touch with anyone who may be interested.I am a Warrington guy. My police career began in uniform in 1973. I joined the Warrington CID in 1979. Later I was promoted to Uniform Sergeant at Warrington Division. I went on to head up the Crime Prevention Department then the Community Safety Department at Warrington as Detective Sergeant. I am so grateful to say that inspite of all my subsequent cancer issues I have been fortunate to have had a successful and highly commended career.
The start of my cancer journey
My cancer journey began in 1980. I was 30. My wife Glenys and I had two young children, Jonathan and Judith.. At the time I was 7 years into my Police career which was moving in the right direction when I had the news which was devastating. I first noticed a swelling that started to get in the way when I turned my head. This became a hard mass under my right ear. The results of the tests confirmed that I had a malignant tumour in my right Parotid Gland. It was explained to me that it would be necessary to remove the tumour and the gland. I was also told that the surgery would sever the facial nerve.
Years ago, surgery was much more brutal than it is today
The invasive surgery caused a good deal of damage as a result of my facial nerve being severed when the tumour and gland were removed causing paralysis. This resulted in the right side of my face collapsing, so my right eye lid didn’t work and my mouth drooped on that side. I ended up with a smile on one side. These days with the advances in treatment options it is unlikely that such brutal treatment would be necessary. This was followed by a course of intensive Radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital which ultimately created later issues of its own.
Only six months of life left to me
The prognosis was very poor and I was given 6 months to live.I looked and felt a mess and went through many difficult and depressing times. But hey, 42 years later I’m still here following a very successful career in the police service, during which I was awarded the Queens Police Medal for Distinguished Service to the Community which I received from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2001.
Awarded the Queen’s Police Medal
I am very proud of this award and particularly as in the early days I had no idea what was ahead for me and my family.The then Chief Constable Nigel Burgess in his address said, “David Betts thoroughly deserves this award and the Cheshire Constabulary is very proud of the recognition he has received. It is a testament to the untiring commitment he has shown over and above the police role he fulfils so well, in taking positive action to improve the quality of life and opportunities for so many young people.Following life threatening cancer resulting in facial paralysis Dave remained an accomplished public speaker. His personal courage and determination has earned him considerable respect within the community. The award of the highly coveted Queens Police Medal is a just reward for an exceptional community champion.”
Not bad considering 42 years previously my prognosis wasn’t anywhere so good. I still have radio necrosis issues but I am so lucky to still be here to enjoy life.I retired from the Cheshire Police in 2003 following 30 years service. I followed other roles until age 65.
In 2012 I suffered a catastrophic torrential bleed at home apparently due to a breakdown of an artery. I was later informed this was related to my original radiotherapy which had weakened blood vessels. The bleed came from my nose and mouth. My heart stopped twice and Paramedics resuscitated me at home and I was rushed to Warrington General Hospital the Paramedics having to further resuscitate me en-route. The wonderful paramedics fortunately kept alive. Ambulance staff and Paramedics deserve so much praise and recognition for their life saving work. On arrival at Warrington General Hospital, Emergency, staff worked on me to keep me alive and put me on life support. I was subsequently transferred to Walton Hospital, Liverpool for an operation to seal the bleed with stents. When I returned to Warrington I spent two weeks in ICU. I knew nothing of this as I was in a coma throughout on life support. I had lost a massive amount of blood. There was concern that this may have caused brain damage. I finally came out of the coma but I had to learn to walk again. My recovery continued and I gradually returned to normality. I have so much to thank the NHS for, from the Ambulance staff, Jonathan Hobson, ENT Surgeon, the Wonderful Intensive Care Unit Staff, Walton Hospital and all nursing staff who looked after me.
I remained strongly linked to the Police service.I titled this, Never Mind It Could Have Been Worse, as that was what was said to me a lot when I returned to work.
People say the funniest things.
