I started to feel unwell in October 2023. Initially I thought it was nausea brought on from too much caffeine, but it didn’t go away and after about two weeks I became hyper aware of what I was feeling and what was changing.
Having to wear scrubs at work every day, I felt them getting tighter and even mentioned to my partner about maybe gaining some weight. I also realised I didn't ever feel hungry anymore.
Putting all these things together I knew I needed to go and see my GP. Working in hospital medicine I’ve become good with the little details and what they can tell us if we listen. I did a pregnancy test, as I knew as a 20 something woman it would be the first thing asked of me. After a negative result I went to see my GP.
I appreciate that I have an advantage when communicating with my GP, being able to cut through the jargon and explain exactly what I’m experiencing. She listened to my concerns and performed both an external and internal exam.
After this, she was concerned about my cervix and put me on a two-week pathway for further tests. My CA125 blood test came back within normal range so the next step was to wait for my appointment with the gynaecologist.
A&E presentation and getting some answers
While I was waiting for that appointment I began to experience severe pain that caused both nausea and then vomiting. It was a Sunday, but the situation became unbearable and I went to my local A&E.
I distinctly remember the consultant telling me not to worry as I was ‘too young for cancer’.
Within hours an ultrasound had shown I had a pelvic mass. A CT scan confirmed it was 15cm wide, and I was immediately sent up to the gynaecology ward. They told me that my cervix appeared fine, but the mass was concerning.
I was admitted overnight and on the following day (20 November) a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) reviewed my scans and referred me to a gynae oncologist who quickly started talking about surgery.
The initial plan was to try and remove just the tumour and my right ovary. A fertility sparing procedure as I was only 27 years old, and I did want the opportunity to start a family with my partner.
Surgery and a confirmed cancer diagnosis
On 23 December I had a successful surgery, removing just the tumour and right ovary as everything else appeared fine. I had a frozen section biopsy, which tests samples while the surgery is happening to provide immediate information. When I woke up it was confirmed that the preliminary testing indicated cancer.
I took time over Christmas to recover, process the news and everything that had happened. It felt like a very long month waiting to hear more about my diagnosis and what was to come. In early February 2024 we went back to the hospital for the follow up consultation – it was awful.
I had mucinous ovarian cancer. We were told that biopsies from my surgery showed that the cancer had also spread to other areas, including the peritoneum. I was told that it had been graded as stage 3b and I would need another surgery to basically take everything else out as soon as possible.
A second opinion
It was huge news, and ultimately a huge decision. When talking it through with friends it was suggested that we get a second opinion. It felt a bit uncomfortable but in these situations you do need to ask the hard questions and advocate for yourself. Listening to the advice of people I trusted, and my own gut instinct, I asked for a second opinion and was referred to a London hospital.
While waiting for the second review of my results, I was preparing for my next surgery as I knew that ultimately time is of the essence with any cancer diagnosis. The day before my scheduled surgery I received a call from the team in London.
They were confident that the cancer cells found in the biopsy of my peritoneum was due to the tumour rupturing. The cells almost ‘splatted’ there but then could be washed off. They were not growing on the area. In simple terms, they explained that it meant I was not stage 3b but in fact stage 1c.
I'll always be grateful to have had other medical professionals around us that helped us navigate everything that we went through and would urge anyone who is thinking about it to reach out for a second opinion.
Fertility decisions and a second diagnosis
It had all been such a whirlwind and despite having had a stage 1c diagnosis confirmed, I felt it was best to have a keyhole procedure to check my other ovary. I wanted to have all the information before moving forward. Unfortunately, this confirmed that I also had cancer on my left ovary – but it was still contained at stage 1.
Everything continued to move so quickly. My partner and I spoke about fertility options with the knowledge of what my next surgery meant. We were able to engage with fertility-directed treatment, something I am incredibly grateful for, and will revisit this aspect in the future. A month later in July 2024 I had a full hysterectomy.
It was advised that it would be best at this point to have a full hysterectomy to remove all of the cancer and then have chemotherapy to catch or ‘mop up’ any remaining traces.
My chemotherapy started in the October – every three weeks for six rounds in total. I began to fall into a pattern of feeling nauseous for the first two days, then bone/joint pain for the next five before feeling a bit more normal for a couple of weeks. Then it all started again.
A challenge to distract from chemotherapy
After my first cycle it was approaching Christmas again, I was shielding, and everything just felt a bit rubbish. I thought that it might be fun to take on a challenge. A nice distraction. I had run a half marathon before, lots of people do, but maybe not whilst going through chemotherapy.
I decided to train for the Hackney Half Marathon in May 2025 and raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer at the same time. It was something to work towards, something else to think about, and something outdoors so it meant I was safe and not mixing with anyone else.
Surveillance and side effects
For the first year after treatment, I'll see a general gynaecologist every three months, then it'll move to every four months in the second year. Each appointment includes both external and internal examinations, as well as blood tests including CA-125 and CEA.
My CA125 was never really raised so it’s reassuring to have multiple tests. It’s very thorough and I feel very comfortable being able to see her so often at the moment.
I was worried about peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy as I want to be an anaesthetist in the future, which requires fine motor skills, but I’ve been lucky to have not experienced that – or any lasting effects really. I’m now taking HRT being post-menopausal which has eased my symptoms which were predominantly hot flashes.
This summer (August 2025) I went back to work. It's been interesting to navigate in relation to who to tell and when, but it’s all been very positive so far. It’s nice to have that level of normality back.
Working more closely with Target Ovarian Cancer
The name is quite self-explanatory so it was easy to find Target Ovarian Cancer, and I think I also had a great cancer nurse specialist (CNS) who mentioned the charity during my treatment.
I saw a link to the information about becoming a Digital Champion and knew it was something I could do. The application and subsequent training have been very thorough – in the best way! It’s something I can fit around work, and I really enjoy being part of it.
Sometimes it’s difficult as both a doctor and someone who has been through it, to not comment immediately on some posts as you just want to help as much as you can, but I think the community set up is great. It’s definitely something I can see myself continuing.
I wanted to share my story as I know that knowledge is power and I’ll do anything I can to help share the symptoms of ovarian cancer with as many people as possible. I’m an open book so I’m always happy to talk about my experience and answer any questions people may have about it.
I don’t fit the standard expectations of an ovarian cancer patient, to the point where even friends in the field are shocked when they first hear my story, but it can happen to anyone. Not everything is black and white so you may need to advocate for yourself, and having the information out there will help people do that.
If you’ve been affected by this story and would like to speak to a specialist nurse, you can call our dedicated support line on 0808 802 6000 or contact us: [email protected]. We're open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.
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