Treatment & Support

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 told me I was “very lucky”.  This type of ovarian cancer is not as aggressive or malignant as the others, can usually be successfully removed by surgery and has a 90% five year survival rate.  I would not need chemotherapy, only regular CA125 blood tests and a laparoscopy in 12 months.  It is only now that I realise how lucky I am.

At the time of diagnosis I was a fit and healthy 48 year old living a busy life. I loved spending time with my family and friends, travelling, pottering in my garden, going for long walks. Life was great.

The diagnosis was a huge shock for me and everyone who knew me. I was a hospital pharmacist working in palliative care. I knew the symptoms of ovarian cancer. I saw them frequently in my patients, but had not recognised them in myself.

I always felt bloated after a main meal- ‘too much rich food’, the pelvic pain is ‘ovulation’, my jeans feel tighter –‘it’s my age-everything is moving south!!’, urinary frequency and getting up during the night –‘must do more pelvic floor exercises  and not have a supper drink’.  I had never considered seeking medical advice for any of these symptoms. I could explain them all! If it wasn’t the approaching menopause, it was my age.

Lying in bed one night I noticed my stomach was uneven. I could feel a large mass. I wasn’t concerned and thought it would go away in a day or so. It didn’t. My GP sent me straight for a CT and ultrasound. I was totally unprepared for the results. I even questioned the radiologist when he said I had a mass on each ovary- are you sure?  At no time had I considered that I might have ovarian cancer. I was referred to a gynaecological oncologist who confirmed the diagnosis.

I am still shocked at how I dealt with the news. My subconscious took over. I went into denial, something I had witnessed many times in my job but never really understood. I now know it is not an emotion you have any control over. I found it difficult to comprehend what was happening or just didn’t want to know. I was annoyed with myself for being like this, but could do nothing. I found myself crying over little things or for no reason at all. My thoughts were for my family- husband, children and parents. What would I tell them? I wanted to ask questions, but couldn’t because I didn’t want to hear the answer- that would be facing the truth.

Surgery meant instant menopause. I had night sweats in hospital, but have had no problems since. I was very emotional for a couple of months, but this has passed. Daily exercise- walking, swimming or bike riding - keeps the hot flushes away, and gives me a good night sleep.

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer has been a life changing experience.

Life has slowed down and I have time to appreciate the little things. I am enjoying being back at work, but have reduced my hours.  The love and support I received from family, friends and work colleagues was amazing. Visits and phone calls brightened my days. Even my daughter’s school friends were making us casseroles.  All of this made me realise how fortunate I am to have all these wonderful people in my life.

Three months after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer I attended my first support group run by Ovarian Cancer Australia. My 20 year old daughter attended with me. We both found it to be a very positive and moving experience. It was interesting to talk to other ladies with this disease and to hear their own unique story. I was given a Resilience Kit which contains a lot of useful information about ovarian cancer.  It provided my family and myself with answers to many of the questions we had about this disease and its treatment.

Looking back on all that has happened feels surreal. I catch myself thinking ‘did it really happen?’ The physical scars have healed and my emotions have settled down. Life has almost returned to normal.

I know I have been given a second chance at life for a reason. I want to raise community awareness of Ovarian Cancer and to support research into this insidious disease.

My new journey has begun.

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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