Meet David

About David

David lives in Peterborough with his Labrador, Duke. He’s been an engineer  for most of his career and has always enjoyed the variety of the role. He’s worked for many companies, but he likes the culture at his current one and is happy to stay there for a while. David has always been in good health and rarely takes sick days. He’s quite active and goes rock climbing most weekends. He also likes to squeeze in a run during the week if he’s working from home, as it helps to clear his mind. He worries he’s been overdoing it with the exercise because he has lower back and abdominal pain. He initially dismisses it as a pulled muscle, but even after resting, the pain isn’t going away. He then finds a lump in his groin. 

David's cancer journey

David is reluctant to go to the doctor. He doesn’t want anyone to look at the lump. He keeps telling himself that it’s nothing to worry about, but his symptoms aren’t going away. He looks up his symptoms online and when he sees that it might be cancer, he knows he has to book an appointment. David’s GP refers him for some tests. After a few weeks, the GP confirms that it is testicular cancer. The cancer is stage 1 and hasn’t spread, so David’s consultant tells him he’ll need surgery. He’s still in shock. A couple of months ago he was working and climbing without any issues. Now he doesn’t know how the surgery and treatment will affect his work and life. Although he won’t admit it out loud, he’s scared. 

The surgery is successful and David’s consultant advises him that he might need a short course of chemotherapy, just to be on the safe side. After his treatment, David returns to work on a phased return. He had been looking forward to getting back into his routine, but he’s struggling. He’s tired all the time, he feels nauseous and the wound from the surgery still feels sore. All David wants to do is get back to normal, but his body keeps reminding him of everything he’s gone through. He’s frustrated and doesn’t know how to move on.

Supporting employees like David

Through Specialist Cancer Care David's Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) has carried out a full review of his treatment plan, identified the physical and psychological effects he is experiencing, and referred him to Perci’s specialist cancer clinicians for tailored support.

With access to up to three additional sessions with specialist cancer clinicians David is now receiving expert guidance on managing fatigue, including practical advice on physical activity, diet and sleep. He is also being supported with his anxiety, learning coping strategies and techniques he can use day to day. His dedicated nurse is helping him plan his return to work, including how to talk to his employer about the main challenges he faces and what reasonable adjustments could help.

In addition, David has been using the bookable mental health consultations available through WeCare to address his anxiety. After completing the digital triage, he was able to schedule an appointment with a qualified Mental Health Clinician, who recommended an appropriate course of treatment to support his recovery and help him return to work with confidence.

Find out more

This service is included for every employee making a critical illness claim or an eligible loved one* at no additional cost, whether the claim is accepted or not. 

*This service is available for employees claiming under a Group Critical Illness policy, or  the employee’s spouse/partner making a critical illness claim on the policy, or an immediate family caregiver providing care for the employee, spouse, partner, or child. These services cannot directly support anyone under the age of 18.

These services are a non-contractual benefits provided through Canada Life and can be altered or withdrawn at any time.

This story has been created to show how Specialist Cancer Care can support employees. This is not a real-life story.