Regular check-ups make for happier outcomes

Being diligent about maintaining a clean bill of health, Denise Martens went for her regular check-up at her Gynaecologist in early September 2020. She was quite startled when her doctor asked that she return for further screening procedures, which included a Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) procedure - a common treatment for removing cell changes in the cervix - as well as Endocervical and Endometrial Curettage.

A few days later, Denise and her husband, Wayne, were called in to receive the life-altering news that she had early-stage Endometrial Cancer. Her gynaecologist was kind and understanding, reassuring Denise that this was early-stage cancer and was considered 'one of the better ones,' in terms of prognosis and treatment. But still, for Denise, anxiety around the unknown began to settle in, and understandably so.

"Although the news was encouraging, it was quite devastating as I never thought it would happen to me."

"I am very healthy, only having gone to hospital twice for childbirth. There is no history of cancer in my family. Without having all the information at hand, my mind raced to dark places, and I thought the worst, especially when they booked me for X-rays and a full blood panel. I was extremely stressed about the cancer spreading to my lymph nodes."

Thankfully Denise has a strong support system and after her diagnosis, she received an incredible amount of love and care from her family, friends, and colleagues alike.

"My adult children were especially supportive. They were all over the internet, sharing diet and healthy lifestyle suggestions within a few days."

"I tried keeping a positive outlook until I had all the facts at hand. I also found my creative hobby of painting, mixed media and scrapbooking especially therapeutic to keep my mind occupied."

Denise was later referred to a gynaecological oncologist, who after assessing her medical reports, X-rays and bloodwork, recommended a total hysterectomy."As I was already 54 years old and in menopause, this was an easier decision to make."

Since Denise had not had a caesarean section, or any other surgery before, her hysterectomy could be performed laparoscopically.

"I was very fortunate that the cancer could be removed entirely and that it had not spread to any of my lymph nodes. My surgery marked the end of my treatment as such."

Following her surgery, Denise spent three days in hospital and recovered at home for a few weeks thereafter. Being a Discovery Life policyholder, with the Severe Illness LifeTime Benefit in place, Denise was able to process a claim and receive supplementary funding, which enabled her to focus on getting well again.

Discovery's LifeTime Severe Illness Benefit provides you with a minimum pay out of 100% of your insured amount for all qualifying cancers, strokes and heart attacks. This benefit pays up to 215% of the insured amount, based on the long-term impact of the illness and your family composition at point of claim.

"The extra funding I received from my LifeTime Severe Illness Benefit, helped alleviate a lot of financial pressure and gave us time to focus on my recovery, without having to worry about working."

"The Discovery Life claim process was quick and easy."

"I'm very happy with the level of service and support that I received. The claims handlers were extremely kind and understanding; and the paperwork required was minimal as I had the reports from my tests already. I definitely felt supported throughout the process by everyone who was handling it for me."

"My husband, Wayne, is my trusted financial adviser and has always been a big fan of severe illness cover."

"I believe this benefit is definitely worthwhile having - it is a vital part of any life insurance portfolio. It helps people through a very stressful time in life when financial worries should not add to your stress. I highly recommend that more people should consider having Discovery Life's Severe LifeTime benefit."

"After everything I have been through, I better understand the underlying motivation for Discovery Vitality assessments, and why points are awarded for these. It's now evident that by achieving these necessary goals, one can help prevent diseases such as cancer, or as in my case, catch them in their early stages, in good time."

The good news is that Denise is now completely cancer free. She has regular check-ups with her doctor every six months. She has made a commitment to live a healthier lifestyle and to focus more on looking after herself.

Denise's closing thoughts on Discovery

"Discovery is an innovative and dynamic company. Their products and constant innovation help members lead a healthier lifestyle and focus on what is important. They are excellent at providing cover with boosters and extras, and at paying their claims efficiently."