Treatment & Support

I was only 34 when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Christmas Eve 1998. I had cancer stage 2c, and I understand there was a 65% chance I might die within 5 years. I’m still here more than ten years on, so I think that makes me a good luck story... 

I had been experiencing some pelvic pain, indigestion, rapid loss of weight, shrinking of my breasts, and feeling hungry but then full quite quickly. None of the symptoms were that alarming - I just assumed that the weight loss was due to my new running routine. Had I ever seen a list of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as the list on the Ovarian Cancer Australia website, I might have realised that I had all the classic symptoms, and perhaps sought treatment earlier. My doctor conducted a test and when he came to see me with the results he was quite distressed at having "found something".  The next day my husband and I went to the specialist gynaecological oncologist and for the first time I was told those terrifying words... I had cancer. 

This was not what Christmas was supposed to be - my mother-in-law had cancer at the time and it was to be her last Christmas. I wondered if it would also be mine. I had surgery a few days later and within two weeks had started chemotherapy. I lost my hair but continued to work.  Chemo was surprisingly do-able although I felt pretty sick and it was frightening to go in for each session. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared and not as bad as the alternative. After the six months of chemo, I had some tests to determine the state of my cancer and I was grateful to learn that I’d been given the all clear. I was told I could 'carry on with my normal life'.  But, I had to ask, what is ‘a normal life’ after cancer? It’s hard to define. I could no longer have a baby and at 34 I’d been forced to face my mortality. I wanted my life to be more meaningful, richer; to take advantage of all life has to offer. And I wanted to be a mother.

After reviewing our options my husband and I adopted a beautiful baby girl, Jasmine, from Guatemala. Sadly, a year later, my husband and I divorced after 14 years of marriage. My cancer had forced me to assess my life, my relationships and what was important to me. It made me realise that it was okay to put myself first sometimes, and that joy can be found amidst the most difficult of situations..  My cancer support group are now wonderful friends, and we’ve almost forgotten how we came to meet each other!

I am more than 10 years on from my cancer diagnosis and treatment and thankfully I’ve had no recurrence. The main problem, post-cancer, was dealing with the instant menopause following surgery. Nowadays I am treasuring my long hair and after having no eyelashes thanks to chemo, I still like to load them up with mascara - celebrating their return! 

My daughter Jasmine is now 10 and the light of my life.  She is the happiest little darling you could imagine.  For our little family, life is good.  Jasmine and I have become involved with the local Latin American community and as a result of the friendships we have formed I have taken up salsa dancing which is now a passion.

Elizabeth

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June 2009 in my early 40s after my GP initially thought I had early menopause. I insisted it was something more and an ultrasound revealed a massive cyst...

Read more

Carmel

In March 2010, my husband Mark and I set off on a trip to Italy, France and England to re-trace a trip of 30 years earlier. It was a prize in a raffle.  I felt very well when we left except...

Read more

Julie

I was only 34 when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Christmas Eve 1998. I had cancer stage 2c, and I understand there was a 65% chance I might die within 5 years. I’m still here...

Read more

Sandra

I had an unusual experience as I was initially diagnosed (ultrasounds, CT, blood tests etc) with a benign teratoma. While it was very big – around the size of a 5 month foetus, it was...

Read more

Soula

I was first touched by cancer when my mother was diagnosed with advanced Ovarian Cancer 20 years ago. The doctors hadn't given her much hope and chemotherapy treatment wasn't even encouraged...

Read more

Liz

It all began with a constant niggling pain in my right groin area. In December 2006 I went to the local doctor who thought I had just pulled a muscle and gave me a referral for physiotherapist....

Read more

Sandra M

 

I was diagnosed with Stage 3a borderline ovarian cancer in September 2010. The cancer was in both ovaries, had spread to the omentum, and was non-invasive.  My specialist...

Read more

Noreen

My name is Noreen and this is my story...

I was a registered nurse working full time. I was fit and healthy. I had regular health checks.

When patients under my care reported...

Read more