Mary’s Story
I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in February 2024 after several visits to my GP with vague symptoms that were easily confused with menopausal symptoms.
It was only after a urine sample came back as clear from the lab (I saw the results on the NHS app) that I queried why I was still symptomatic and I was sent for a scan. Once 2 x tumours were seen on the ultrasound scan things moved quickly and I was diagnosed 2 days later. This is a very common story in diagnosis of ovarian cancer – it hides in plain sight. If I hadn’t had the NHS app or had my background knowledge as a nurse I feel I would have been diagnosed even later. As it is, I am stage IIIc/IV.
My care has been excellent since I was diagnosed and after CT and MRI scans and a biopsy I started 3 weekly chemo on 15th March. I had debulking surgery on 12th June which was very tough but successful and I’ve since had 3 x further rounds of chemo. I’m waiting for my end of treatment CT scan to see how things are now.
The worst part of the treatment for me has without a doubt been losing my hair/eyebrows/eyelashes. I can’t express just how awful this is – and I’m really not a vain person! I look in the mirror and don’t recognise myself. Now my tummy has a huge scar too it’s hard to remember who I was before all this. I also had to come off my HRT when I was diagnosed as there is a possibility it had been feeding my tumours. Dealing with menopausal symptoms on top of cancer treatment isn’t easy and I have found that the oncologist and surgeon aren’t really interested in helping me with this.
I’ve been very lucky in that my family and friends have been an amazing support. I’ve also found online forums very helpful too. Unfortunately my work terms and conditions meant that I was only entitled to 6 weeks full pay and 6 weeks half pay and so I had to work through my first 4 chemo sessions to enable me to take 14 weeks off following the surgery and last 3 rounds of chemo. This was very tough and meant that I wasn’t paid for the last 6 weeks of my sick leave.
Now my treatment has come to an end I feel a bit lost – cut loose from all the appointments and treatment. All I can think about is when it will be back – I’ve been told to expect a recurrence within 18 months to 2 years. I’m due to start a maintenance drug in around 4 weeks time and I’m worried about potential side effects from that.
Sometimes I feel positive about the future and sometimes I just want to cry at how unfair it all is. I’ve joined a Life after Cancer 6 week course that will hopefully help me deal with all the feelings. In the meantime I’m planning a fancy holiday (once my hair has grown back a bit!).
Mary