Treatment & Support

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. I attended a physiotherapy appointment for 8 weeks but there was no change in the pain. I went back to my doctor who gave me a referral for a bone scan and did an abdominal scan.

I was in such pain one day I visited Wynnum Hospital emergency department – where I have worked for the last 6 years – and the doctor sent me home to take some painkillers for the pain which he diagnosed as arthritis. This still nags me today – had I not followed up this pain I probably would not be here today to tell this story!

I followed up the results of the bone and abdominal scans at Redland Hospital where I had transferred my job. I was able to get a surgical outpatient's appointment quickly with the doctor who requested CA125 blood tests. The blood results showed the CA125 was higher than expected, which was 70 at the time.  I had no idea what this meant – isn’t a high mark good? On the contrary, as I was about to find out.

The Redland Hospital sent a referral to the Mater Public Hospital for a follow-up appointment. The outcome of this appointment led to a day procedure on 19 March 2007 and it was discovered then that I had stage 3C ovarian cancer. I did not believe what the doctor told me, “You must have made a mistake - I am not sick I am fit and healthy” I said. I was in total shock, so much so that I was kept in the hospital overnight.

I was told by the doctor that I would be booked in for urgent major surgery which would include a hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries. I believe that the worst time of my life was the four weeks waiting for major surgery and not really understanding or knowing what the future may hold, and asking why me? I felt lucky when there was a cancellation and the major surgery took place on 17 April 2007 at the Mater Public Hospital.

After surgery, I was told that major debulking had taken place and that ¾ of the intraperitoneal was taken away. The fear then was that microscopic cancer cells may exist. Chemotherapy was explained to me at this time. Prior to surgery, I was also told that normally I would have a 50/50 chance of survival, however this was changed to 65% survival after surgery. As I was in good health for my age I felt that I tolerated the surgery extremely well.

From day one of chemotherapy I was so sick - it was like a nightmare. I had many major setbacks from the first lot of chemotherapy in May through to September. However, I remained positive throughout and I feel that having a positive mind is what got me through this absolute nightmare.

I really feel that I am fortunate in that I was 'lucky' to be given the IP Port which was newly introduced to the Mater Public Hospital at this time. I believe this is what contributed to my survival -  I feel I would have been an ovarian cancer statistic had I not had the IP Port.

During my recovery, in December 2007 I had a major set-back with a bulging disc in my back - this actually took about 6 months of physiotherapy to get to a manageable stage.

I have worked full time since leaving school in 1964 and since 1989 worked with Queensland Health in Administration areas. My goal was to return to work – to feel ‘normal’ again. I did this in January 2009 and am extremely happy to have returned to my job as Assistant Manager, Administration at Wynnum Hospital in a full time capacity. I have to say much support came from the social worker at the Mater Public Hospital. I did not even knew what day of the week it was most of the time and I felt like a zombie during the chemotherapy period. 

Today, 3 years on since the end of chemotherapy, I still have niggling problems with my back which I manage as best I can. My appointment with my oncologist at Mater Hospital has now extended from 3 monthly visits to 6 month follow-up appointments. I have a blood test and my CA 125 is currently 15 – which is better than better! I am back at work full time and very happy, healthy, and holidaying and enjoying life as much as I possibly can while I can, and keep smiling!

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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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