Lucy, 28, was diagnosed with Stage 1A ovarian cancer in 2023. Immediately she wanted to raise awareness, championing others to advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right. This year Lucy preserved her fertility after speaking with fellow women in Target Ovarian Cancer’s online ovarian cancer community.
Back and forth to the doctors
I'd never heard about ovarian cancer until it happened to me. I didn’t have any of the main symptoms other than some cramping that I put down to normal menstrual cramping...
"I'd been going to the doctors throughout my early twenties with recurrent bowel problems though. Numerous tests were done but everything came back as clear.
Over time things settled down a little and I started to think about it less. However, in 2022 things got worse again and something just didn’t feel right.
I went to back to my GP and was fortunate enough to have appointments with private doctors as well, until I was referred to a consultant gynaecologist.
Referrals and reassurances
In July 2022 I had my first pelvic scan, and it found a small cyst on my left ovary.
I was told to come back in three months as usually cysts are nothing to worry about and tend to come and go during the menstrual cycle. When I went back three months later, I was told they still couldn't quite get a good image and to come back again in another three months.
So, I listened, and I did. At this point it was early 2023 and I just wanted to know more - a definitive answer. During the scan I was told that what was thought to be a cyst could be a borderline ovarian tumour.
Again, I was reassured that it shouldn't be anything to worry about, but they would pass my results on to the consultant. The consultant then suggested I have an MRI - this is now April 2023.
Upon reviewing further scans, she said my case was complex and I would need to be referred to another consultant gynaecologist who had experience in gynaecological oncology. Upon my new consultant reviewing my scan, everything started to move very quickly and within 10 days I was booked in for surgery.
I was told that I'd need to have my left ovary and fallopian tube removed so they could say for certain what the tumour was and what needed to happen next. I remember being told that it was extremely unlikely to be cancerous given my age.
Diagnosis and surgery
My keyhole surgery took place in May 2023 and 10 days later, after testing the tumour, I was diagnosed with Stage 1A endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary.
It was confirmed that I didn't require any further treatment, however, I was and am still closely monitored every few months with regular scans. I now know that the CA125 blood test is often used as well, but this was never elevated for me, so is not used as part of my monitoring appointments.
I honestly didn't expect to hear the word cancer, even after all my appointments. However, I'm extremely grateful it was caught at the earliest possible stage.
I have an amazing support system, my friends and family were there every step of the way, and I’m so blessed to have had their love and kindness whilst going through this diagnosis.
Future fertility
Earlier this year, I made the decision to preserve my fertility and freeze eggs from my remaining right ovary.
It was something that had been on my mind since the diagnosis, but I wanted to wait until I was fully recovered before progressing with it. Although I've been told my fertility wouldn't be too affected with only one ovary, it's always in the back of my mind - what if the cancer did return and I didn't do this when I had the chance?
I thought in the end I'd regret it much more if I didn't do it, especially as sadly so many women don't get that chance. Mentally it was a big decision to make, and I was worried about any side effects from taking the medication.
I did a lot of research and consulted with a lot of doctors before making a final decision. I would recommend others to do the same. At the time I did speak to other women in the Ovarian Cancer Community on Facebook and looked to them for advice. They were amazing and so supportive. It was great being connected to other women who've had a diagnosis and talking through shared experiences.
Running to raise awareness
As soon as I'd recovered from my surgery, whilst processing my diagnosis, I knew I had to do something to raise awareness - with the aim of educating more people and helping a charity directly associated with ovarian cancer. That's how I first found Target Ovarian Cancer.
I quickly signed up to do my first ever half marathon in 2024 with all donations going to support the charity’s work.
I started from a position of being a complete novice runner to being able to do a half marathon and met some amazing people along the way. The team at Target Ovarian Cancer were very supportive along my fundraising journey and I’m proud to say I raised over £2,500!
I don't have any other challenges lined up at the moment, but I’ve always wanted to do the Great North Run so that might be next on the list...
I wanted to share my story because I know that the statistics show ovarian cancer is more common in older women, but it still happened to me at age 26.
I want to urge others that if something isn't right, please do go get it checked. Whether that's linked to specific ovarian cancer symptoms or anything else, you know your body and if something isn't right continue to push for an answer. It could save your life!
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 0808 802 6000 or contact us: [email protected]. We're open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.
If reading this story has helped you, join the Ovarian Cancer Community to connect with more people affected by ovarian cancer.
