I was totally shocked when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June 2014. I was fit and well and had no obvious symptoms, until one day I felt a lump in the lower part of my stomach.
I immediately went to see my GP who referred me for an urgent ultrasound scan, which showed I had a cyst on my left ovary.
I was then referred to Mr Brett Winter-Roach, Consultant Gynaecologist at Spire Cheshire Hospital. At my consultation Mr Winter-Roach looked at my scans and confirmed that it was very likely that I had a malignant ovarian tumour.
Hearing that I could have cancer was such a shock, it was a surreal experience. It was as if it was happening to someone else.
From that moment all it all happened so fast, and within a week I was booked in for surgery. I was diagnosed with an early stage of ovarian cancer in June. Luckily, the whole tumour was removed intact and all the diseased cells were encapsulated within the tumour which was a good sign.
2 weeks after my surgery, I got the final diagnosis that it was a primary ovarian cancer. It was stage one so thanks to early detection, and my prognosis being extremely positive, I didn’t need to have any further treatment such as chemotherapy.
Mr Winter-Roach was wonderful, he had such a calming gentle nature and I could not have wished for a better consultant. He felt that he saved my life and I am truly grateful to him for everything he has done for me.
I feel extremely lucky that my tumour was caught early and could be removed intact, with no spread. I feel it was a time bomb just waiting to go off. I hope that by sharing my story I can help to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
If you feel something is wrong then act early. You know your own body and I really would urge people to go to their GP if they have any concerns.
