Coming to the end of a busy term, there was no reason for me to think it was anything other than a stomach bug, but after a couple of days I wasn’t getting any better. I felt generally unwell and had discomfort in my stomach.
An initial online consultation diagnosed a UTI but after spiking a fever I just felt that something more serious was going on.
Getting some answers
My GP ended up sending me straight to A&E after feeling that my abdomen was distended – combined with my other symptoms. On 18 December I was admitted to hospital with a suspected kidney infection.
They put me on strong antibiotics and did a bladder scan which showed I was retaining a lot of fluid. By this point I was also in constant pain. A day later I was sent for an ultrasound and that was when they found the mass.
It was basically covering my entire abdomen, measuring at 34x30 cm. A CT scan confirmed that the mass had come from my right ovary, and I was immediately referred to the gynae oncology department.
They told me that I would be placed on the two-week cancer pathway, but it wasn’t confirmed and I shouldn’t worry too much at that time. Looking back, I had been feeling bloated and uncomfortable before falling ill, but just put it down to overindulging at that time of year.
Understanding the options
That Christmas was when I found Target Ovarian Cancer. I needed information, with so many potential scenarios running through my mind, it felt important to know as much as possible.
And ultimately, I felt that what I learnt would help me understand upcoming conversations with medical professionals in the New Year. Turns out I didn’t have to wait that long as I spoke with my gynaecologist on 27 December about my options.
I was advised that they would have to remove my right ovary and fallopian tube. We talked through the risks, the fact that it might be cancer and it could have spread.
I feel like all the worst-case scenarios were presented to me, for example it could have spread to my bowel and require me to have a colostomy bag, or it could have spread further meaning a full hysterectomy would be the preferred option for surgery.
The question of fertility
As a 27-year-old woman the fear of future fertility did then come to mind. I would say it wasn’t at the forefront of the conversation with my gynaecologist as the planned surgery itself shouldn’t have any impact on my fertility.
However, it was explained that if it was confirmed as cancer and if the next step in treatment was chemotherapy, then I would be offered a chance to freeze my eggs.
With a level of uncertainty around what they might find during surgery, and with the worst-case scenarios having been discussed, I was asked what I would like them to do in the event that a full hysterectomy was required. I was grateful to have this opportunity to voice my thoughts and agree a plan on fertility sparing surgery.
Surgery, diagnosis and future treatment
As I was still unwell due to the mass pressing down on my bladder, kidneys and urethrae, I had open abdominal surgery just two weeks later.
Thankfully the surgery was a success, removing the mass and my right ovary and fallopian tube with no other damage. Recovery was quite intense. I was in hospital for five days in total, before being sent home with strict instructions to rest and continue the strong painkillers.
I received a call about my biopsy results two weeks later. My gynaecologist talked through the initial findings with me – it was cancerous, muscinous ovarian carcenoma – and explained that it had to be sent to the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to be graded.
Ultimately, it was inconclusive as they couldn’t decide whether it was grade 1 or grade 2. Either way, it was agreed that I would not require any further treatment at the moment, especially due to this type of ovarian cancer not responding well to chemotherapy anyway.
For now, I'm under surveillance. Every three months I'll have an ultrasound and CA125 blood test to monitor if there are any signs of the cancer returning. My latest appointment was at the end of May, and I’m delighted to say that there was nothing to see.
Finding a community and raising awareness
It’s been a very difficult time but I’ve had great support, and the internet has been so helpful in that journey. I’ve been able to connect with other young women like me on social media, many of whom have documented their entire cancer journeys.
It felt reassuring to speak to others going through the same things I was and have the opportunity to ask questions about anything and everything. I’m still in touch with a couple of them now, it became a real lifeline for me.
By late spring I was a bit fed up with having to take it easy and wanted to do something purposeful. That’s when I came back to Target Ovarian Cancer and found the Step 11 challenge. It provided not only a physical challenge to get me moving again, and some days were definitely more difficult than others, but also a platform to start raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
As a teacher working in such a female dominated environment, I want to make sure that everyone knows what to look out for, and to get things checked if they feel something isn’t right.
Having spoken with friends since my diagnosis, it’s been interesting to hear how many commented on the symptoms just being considered ‘normal’ things for women to experience. They absolutely can be, but we shouldn’t lessen things either. If it feels wrong for you, make sure you contact your GP.
This September I’ll be back to teaching full time and will continue to spread the word. I’m also hoping to get a group of family and friends together to take part in the Ovar-Dressed London event.
