29 year old Lotte was diagnosed with stage 1A ovarian cancer in February this year after surgery to remove ovarian cysts. She found our website a helpful resource when looking for clear and correct information and is now wanting to raise awareness and give something back by fundraising for us.
At the start of 2024 I saw my GP about sharp lower abdominal pain, bloating, and significant fatigue I just couldn’t shake. The symptoms had been going on for about three or four months already at this point, but I had been brushing them off – looking back it was probably a bit longer than that. During that first appointment I was asked whether my symptoms were mostly during my period. That was about it.
After a second appointment I was referred to the gastroenterology department as they thought it might be something to do with my stomach. In March, I saw a specialist that mentioned that it could be endometriosis, and I was referred again to get an ultrasound.
At this point I wasn’t worried as none of the medical professionals I had spoken with were alarmed by my symptoms.
Getting some answers and having surgery
By the summer, I still hadn’t heard about an appointment and my pain was getting worse. It was then that I was lucky enough to make the decision to go private and get an ultrasound.
The scan happened in October, and they found I had cysts on both my ovaries. Following an elevated CA125 blood test result, things started moving a lot quicker. I was then referred to a gynaecologist.
An MRI scan confirmed that there were cysts on both my ovaries, but it was explained that the left side was much more concerning. Initial conversations were about just removing the cysts, but after further talks between my Multidisciplinary team (MDT) it was decided to remove the left ovary completely and just remove the cysts on the right.
Due to my age, I suddenly had to think about my fertility. Which to be honest wasn’t really something I’d thought about yet.
With the uncertainty around what might need to be removed, especially once they had a clearer picture during surgery, my surgeon did ask about my fertility wishes.
It was mentioned a few times that had I been older (or already had kids etc.) they would have removed both ovaries just to be safe. However, I did want a fertility saving approach if possible.
I had my surgery in December 2024, after which my amazing mum and boyfriend dropped everything to take care of me. During the surgery, a decision was made to leave the right ovary alone as they weren’t worried about what they could see.
It did feel like a lot of back and forth with decisions and getting the right information, but my surgeon was amazing - constantly chasing results and reassuring me of next steps.
Finding Target Ovarian Cancer and receiving my diagnosis
It was a bit of a whirlwind from scan to surgery, with different people to meet and lots of new terms to try and understand. It was difficult to remember and ask all the questions I had when in front of the medical professionals.
I started looking for more information in my own time and that's when I found the Target Ovarian Cancer website. I found it really helpful to be able to read more about what was happening to me, at my own pace.
At a follow up appointment in January, it was explained that my biopsy results were inconclusive. It was either borderline or stage 1 cancer, but they couldn’t agree between themselves.
If it was cancer, there may be more treatment required but they wanted a definitive diagnosis. My results were sent to a specialist at The Christie in Manchester.
I came back to the Target Ovarian Cancer website. It was actually quite calming to have access to so much information and helped me not ‘freak out’ during such an uncertain time.
In February 2025 I received a confirmed diagnosis of stage 1A ovarian cancer. However, due to the biopsy of my omentum coming back clear, with all disease contained in the ovary and nothing in the fallopian tube, the team were happy that I didn’t need any further treatment at this stage.
Looking forward whilst giving back
Since the diagnosis, it’s been a real emotional rollercoaster. Waves of fear and anxiety having heard the word cancer at such a young age. Mixed with such relief that it had been caught it in its early stages.
Throughout the whole process, my family and friends have been super supportive and I feel so lucky to have such amazing people in my life.
Currently, things are looking optimistic. My most recent scan was clear and there are still no concerns about my right ovary. I will continue to have monitoring every three months which includes an ultrasound and CA125 blood test.
I'd never really heard anything about ovarian cancer before. I knew a few people that had had cysts on their ovaries, so that felt like a more common diagnosis, but I knew nothing of what that could actually mean. There are many outcomes.
During my recovery I kept thinking about what I could do to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in younger women and highlight how important it is to get any concerns checked.
I also wanted to do some fundraising for Target Ovarian Cancer, so decided to join my dad in cycling the Loch Ness Etape. As a keen cyclist, it felt like the right challenge. Although it was much harder just four months after surgery, it felt good to be back on a bike, and we were joined by friends and family which was a real support.
We’ve managed to raise over £2,000, and it feels like our local community have really engaged with what we’re trying to achieve which is amazing. I’m sure after a bit of rest I will be looking for the next challenge to take on – probably on two wheels!
If you’ve been affected by this story and would like to speak to a specialist nurse, you can call our free support line on 0808 802 6000 or contact us: [email protected]. We're open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.
