08/11/2019
A year ago today I was given the devastating news that I had late stage ovarian cancer, me and my husband Pete were in a state of utter shock and disbelief. At that time we were told it was inoperable and that I would be starting chemotherapy the following week. After four cycles of chemo I was told that I had responded well and they were prepared to operate. I then had major surgery and three weeks later started the first of another three cycles of chemo. The treatment has been very hard and I'm still suffering the after effects but fortunately I'm now in remission.
The reason that I'm posting this now is to highlight the danger of ovarian cancer. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often mistaken for other conditions ( I was told for nine months that I had irritable bowel syndrome or urinary infections ). I would ask all ladies reading this to make themselves aware of the symptoms , such as abdominal bloating, frequent urination , feeling full after eating very little and pain or feeling of pressure. Sometimes there can be more symptoms or fewer, I just want people to be aware because if I had known more my diagnosis could have been sooner and the cancer not so advanced. There is a simple blood test that can indicate the prescence of ovarian cancer, it's called a CA125 test. If anyone is concerned then ask your doctor for this test, if I had received this test I could have been diagnosed much sooner. I haven't felt able to post anything about this before, but today on the anniversary of my diagnosis I really want to raise awareness of this disease.
I'm now feeling better and so pleased to be in remission and am so lucky to have a fantastic husband ( he's been there for me every minute of every day), wonderful family and an amazing friend Sharon Jones ,who's been there every step of the way.
I would ask everyone who reads this to please like and share this post as my aim is to raise awareness of this disease as much as I can. Maybe one person will read this and it could save their life.
Thanks for reading and please share xx
Just a quick update, absolutely fabulous response, over 348,000 shares, I'm so pleased that so many people have been made aware of this disease. I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually for the lovely comments and messages I've received, unfortunately I can't but my heartfelt thanks go out to everyone.
A lot of you have been asking if a cervical smear test shows this cancer, it doesn't, so that's why I've added this now.
CERVICAL SMEAR TEST DOES NOT SHOW IF YOU HAVE OVARIAN CANCER !! Still make sure you get regular smear tests as they are to look for signs of cervical cancer.
Love to you all xx
Please keep sharing xx
