Despite my career as a medical researcher who had worked in the oncology field, I never thought I would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I thought it was something that happened to other people, not me.
I live a happy life and I'm incredibly grateful for all I have – my friends, family, the outdoors, the trees, and the birds. I count my blessings every day and live life, getting as much out of it as I can.
This is how I managed to get through my first diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and it’ll be how I get through the next six months having recently found out my cancer is back. Rather than become upset and dwelling on what the next six months will bring – the discomfort and nausea – I'm looking back at the last six months and so grateful for what I’ve experienced.
My first diagnosis
I'm a keen yogi and have been going to yoga classes for over 20 years. Towards the end of 2019, I noticed that during practice I had discomfort in my lower abdomen, but only during certain movements. For many years now I have suffered with diverticulitis which can cause lower abdomen pain, so I put the tenderness down to that or a pulled muscle through yoga or Pilates.
A couple of months passed, and the pain became more persistent, and I'd lost a bit of weight. It was just before Christmas.
My amazing, proactive and eager GP examined me and told me then he thought there was an issue with my bowel or ovaries. He booked me in for a CA125 blood test and an urgent ultrasound. My CA125 result was 100 – anything over 35 is a concern.
He put everything in motion from then and I was referred to the local gynaecologist. When they called with my results, I was in the supermarket. They told me that there was a tumour on the right ovary – between the size of a grapefruit and a small melon – and the same was on the left.
By the end of January, I’d had surgery to remove the right ovary but the tumour on the left had wrapped itself around my bowel and I was told it was inoperable. I was in absolute shock. I’d gone into the surgery thinking the cancer was in the earlier stages but came out to find it was stage III high grade serous ovarian cancer.
We hoped that three rounds of chemotherapy would shrink the tumour so they could operate. It was all the more stressful as this was taking place at the beginning of the pandemic, so I worried that the treatment wouldn’t be available, let alone the surgery that would be needed.
Thankfully it was though, and I went on to have a further seven-hour operation where they managed to remove everything that was cancerous, leaving just 1cm behind.
Taking control
I underwent more chemotherapy, but I wasn’t eligible for PARP inhibitors. I decided to do my own research and get my body pushing back. For me, it was to continue with a healthy lifestyle full of exercise and vitamins to help boost my immune system. I needed to be as strong as possible.
I truly believe in the power of positivity, being active and building strength. This is what has got me to where I am.
I've continued to exercise, practicing yoga and walking my dog. In addition, I've explored complementary therapies, including Reiki, and am always willing to try different methods. For me, if I feel like it has a chance of working and improving symptoms, it’s worth a try.
Accessing support
It was after my treatment that I found Target Ovarian Cancer and its fortnightly Tea & Chat sessions. Going along and listening to other people’s experiences really helped me. We all think about ovarian cancer coming back. We live with that in our imagination so it’s important to talk to those who are suffering the same as we are. It’s important to talk to like-minded people who understand.
With the recurrence, I know I'll have as much support, if not more, than last time. From the Tea & Chat group, my friends and family, alongside my yoga classmates. I have an idea of what to expect with chemo and know what works for me.
I try and share these tips with those I meet at support groups. For example, last time I found exercising after chemo kept the fatigue at bay. I've had my first session and went for a walk with a friend afterwards and it really helped me with the next couple of days. If you can manage a little walk, whether that’s walking to the corner shop or around your garden, you’ll notice a difference like I do.
Giving back
Since my diagnosis in 2020, I've tried to give back as much as possible to help others with ovarian cancer and their cancer experience. I'll do anything to help people feel empowered. That could be telling people about how I use exercise to boost my immune system or connecting to the earth to absorb its energy.
One thing I also really enjoy doing is being part of the research champions network at Target Ovarian Cancer. As a patient, I recently reviewed funding applications where scientists are applying for funding for new treatments. I scored them from a patient’s perspective and that’s made me feel like I’m doing something and giving something back. That empowers me.
Everyone with ovarian cancer should feel empowered and I want to share that.
If you’ve been affected by this story and would like to speak to a specialist nurse, you can call our dedicated support line on 020 7923 5475 or contact us: [email protected]. We're open from 9am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If reading this story has helped you, join the Ovarian Cancer Community to connect with more people affected by ovarian cancer: www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/onlinecommunity
