Sandra's story

My name is Sandra and my journey with ovarian cancer began in September 2010. I was a fit and healthy 48 year old, enjoying a busy life. I loved spending time with my family and friends, travelling, relaxing in my garden and going for long walks. I had a rewarding job working as a hospital pharmacist in palliative care.

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. It moved around – up and down. It was definitely still there. 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 and had major surgery the following week. Nothing can prepare you for a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer. 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. My husband was in the final days of a major project,  my daughter  had university exams to sit and  my parents were already dealing with the terminal illness of my 54yo sister( my only sibling).

I had seen many ladies with this insidious disease through my work as a palliative care pharmacist. I knew the symptoms 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.

How wrong I was.

My pathology came back as Stage 3a Borderline Ovarian Cancer.  It 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 CA125 blood tests and a laparoscopy in 12 months. It’s only now that I realise how lucky I am.

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer has been a life changing experience. The physical scars are now healing and my emotions are settling down. Daily exercise- walking, swimming or bike riding - keeps the hot flushes away, and gives me a good night sleep. Life has slowed down and I have time to appreciate 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, and made me realise how fortunate I am to have all these wonderful people in my life. I now feel a much stronger and resilient person.

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 next journey has begun.

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