I was diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer in January 2021 aged 46. I initially went into hospital at the beginning of December 2020 with appendicitis, but a CT scan showed up a fibroid, cyst and cell changes in my ovary and fallopian tube. My test results came back in January along with my diagnosis. To say it was somewhat of a shock is an understatement. But I’m one of the lucky ones. Because of the appendicitis the doctors were able to catch it early. However, because of the Covid-19 restrictions treatment hasn’t been easy. Fortunately, I have private health care so I was able to explore the other options that were available. I had my op on 28 January 2021 and started my chemo around three weeks later. I was given the all-clear in June of that year and had a fantastic 12 months working again and thoroughly enjoying life. Sadly my cancer returned in September 2022 having spread to my abdominal cavity. My cancer is now incurable, but I had an operation to remove it from my abdomen, then another six doses of chemo. I am now on the maintenance drug Niraparib, which helps destroy cancer cell growth.
I am currently undergoing treatment and monitoring at the Royal Marsden and they are incredible. I have a strong team consisting of my oncologist, surgeon and gastroenterologist who are doing an amazing job keeping me alive.
