Written off. That’s how I felt when they told me I couldn’t have any more chemotherapy. Was I on palliative care but the words weren’t being spoken? No, I said to myself, this is not happening.
Out of the blue
The date was 19 October 2024. In the weeks leading up to this day, I’d developed a red rash all over my body, and my stomach was frequently swollen. I had visited two separate A&E departments about my symptoms.
On my first visit to A&E it was suggested that these were signs of alcoholism and I was told to get a referral from my GP. I continued in my day-to-day life, even running races in London. Looking back now though, I can also recall a dull and heavy ache in my stomach when I ran, which was unusual.
Although I wasn’t in pain, the bloating and rash persisted, and so I returned to A&E for a second time and was turned away. Finally on the third visit I was admitted.
Hearing ‘suspected ovarian cancer’ came completely out of the blue, especially as 15 years ago I had a total hysterectomy (ovaries and fallopian tubes removed). I didn’t know I could get ovarian cancer without ovaries, but research shows there is still a chance.
Bed-bound
From that moment, I went seriously downhill.
All of a sudden I was debilitated. As the treatment went on, I couldn’t eat and had no energy. I lost three stone, and was completely bed-bound. It was an awful spell, and my son had to move into my home to help me as I couldn’t move unaided. Once out of bed, I’d be pushed around in a wheelchair. My children thought they were watching me die.
However, if you see me now you'll see how far I've come. I've been told my cancer cannot be cured, but it's treatable with maintenance drugs – a hormone suppressant which will keep it at bay.
Before my diagnosis, I was an avid parkrun-er, clocking up 249 park runs and have slowly been getting back into it and just celebrated my 250th!
Milestone
The big milestone I’ll be marking though is Sunday 19 October – a year since the day I was admitted. I’ll be marking this by taking part in Target Ovarian Cancer’s Ovar-Dressed London fundraising event in Regent’s Park.
I'll be joined by three of my brothers which is quite special as they have all been incredibly supportive, as have all of my family. It'll be an emotional day especially thinking about the year that has passed.
I may not be 100% back to myself, but things are improving and I’m living my normal life. I'll give beating ovarian cancer a good go, and taking part in Ovar-Dressed London – a year since I was told I have cancer – is my way of showing I can do this.
A few months ago I read a story about a woman who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, and was living her life five years later. Seeing similar stories I found those words encouraging and I hope anyone reading mine feels the same.
A few months ago I couldn’t stand up out of my bed… I’m now taking a stand against ovarian cancer.
Want to join Sue at Ovar-Dressed London?
Book your tickets to join us in Regent's Park on Sunday 19 October – tickets are currently half-price, only until Sunday 12 October!
