Eunice, 70 years

At 68 years of age, I was fit, active and had no health problems, but I had noticed that over a period of time my stomach occasionally felt tight or hard. As I had no bowel or bladder problems, I assumed this was just part of the ageing process. Eventually I felt a bulging lump in my abdomen and went to the doctor, who sent me for an ultrasound scan. This revealed two large, orange-sized tumours, one on each ovary.

The diagnosis was confirmed following a total hysterectomy - ovarian cancer, grade 3. Soon after surgery I began chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatten, which caused my hair to fall out. My CA125 fell from 850 (pre-op) to 12.

I live in a small country town and joined a local cancer support group of six people. Although helpful, I was the only one with ovarian cancer, so I didn't really have anyone to share experiences with. Recently though, I have met a fellow ovarian cancer patient to talk to, which is wonderful. Country people are definitely at a disadvantage where support is concerned.

Over the next fifteen months, life returned to normal and I felt well, but my CA 125 continued to rise, so I recommenced chemotherapy. After six doses of Carboplatten my count didn't change very much, so after a few months break for holidays and Christmas, I began chemotherapy for the third time, using Topotekan. I am now half way through this treatment, and again I am losing my hair.

I have also had a port-a-cath inserted, because the veins in my arms were too difficult to access for the treatment. This involved a day procedure in hospital, with a choice of sedation or anaesthetic. The small device is inserted under the skin of the chest, making a port for the chemotherapy drugs to be given through. It remains there for as long as required and makes the treatment much less painful. It doesn't require any special care, except to be flushed every six weeks between treatments to keep it functioning.

It is now nearly three years down the track and although I feel well, this insidious disease refuses to be shaken off. My sister was 67 when she died from a brain tumour - a secondary from a melanoma. Otherwise there is no family history of cancer, so I wasn't particularly vigilant.....be alert.

<< Back to Personal Stories