Treatment & Support

Sandra

Sandra Anderson

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 diagnosed, after much worry, as benign.  Apparently it is extremely rare for a dermoid tumour to be malignant – especially pre-menopause. I was 42.

It was only from the pathology that came back a couple of days after the surgery, that the malignancy was diagnosed as a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer.  However, the good news is that the cancer has not returned and it’s nearly 4 years since the diagnosis.

I didn’t experience any particular symptoms — just vaguely unwell, tired, bloated etc.  However, two colleagues blocked my office doorway one day and 'told' me to go and see a doctor.  It had not actually occurred to me in all honesty.  I thought I was just tired and had a vague bug I couldn’t shake.  They insisted I make an appointment to see my GP.  I owe them my life.  I work full-time and have three teenage boys and am very thankful that I was encouraged to see the doctor.  Had I not done this, my life would have taken a very different turn.

Very strangely, my dearest friend had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer about 4 years before me.  We both had different experiences but both had germ cell tumours and had surgery and chemo.  What would be the chances?  She is also well so we are two good news stories — well and busy with kids and work.  We are both incredibly lucky. 

Elizabeth photo
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...

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Carmel McCarthy
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...

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julie second pic
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...

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Sandra Anderson
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...

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Soula
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...

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Liz Hollingsworth
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....

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sandra mason
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...

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Noreen
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...

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Treatment & Support

Personal Story

Liz Hollingsworth
Liz

It all began with a constant niggling pain in my right groin area. In December 2006 I went to...

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New clinical trial produces successful results for treatment of ovarian cancer

An Australian-led clinical trial has identified a promising treatment for ovarian cancer. The...

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