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THE EVE APPEAL
Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 69 women. When Jan Morgan, event organiser at the Eve Appeal, a charity raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer, invited me to attend a black tie dinner dance at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, I asked her why she had become involved with the Appeal.
Jan told me about her sister Sandra who had been diagnosed with the disease, had gone into remission and is now bravely fighting the disease once more. Sandra, aged 52 currently lives in the USA with her husband and two daughters. She kindly took time out to talk to us about her journey with ovarian cancer.
Sandra, is there a history of cancer in the family?
Mum and dad are still alive with no signs as are my two sisters. The only link with cancer in the family is with my paternal grandfather.
When were you diagnosed?
In December 2006. I was shocked, sad and scared. I wanted to know how many years I had left.
How did you feel about breaking the news to your family?
Telling my family was the worst experience. I felt I could cope with surgery, chemo and the ‘inevitable’. However, seeing the fright and sadness on my family’s faces was devastating. I didn’t know how I was to tell them
What were their reactions?
They were shocked and so scared; my children did not expect me to get cancer. However they have always been very supportive and loving towards me.
What treatment was recommended?
I was advised to have a full hysterectomy and chemotherapy
You were in remission at one point and then learnt that it had returned, how did you feel ?
I was in remission for one year. Ovarian cancer is difficult to treat especially if not caught early. Therefore although it was very difficult to hear the news, it was not totally surprising. I just got back into fighting mode.
Is the treatment still ongoing?
I’m currently back on chemo.
What is the prognosis?
My next hurdle is to get back into remission and I have been told there is a 70% chance that this will happen. For now that is as far as I want to dwell into the future.
How do you feel today?
I have no symptoms from the cancer. The chemo gives me nausea and the feeling of extreme tiredness.
OVARIAN CANCER - RISKS AND FACTS
The risks
■ Women of any age are at risk
■ Increasing age raises risk
■ Personal or family history of breast, colon or ovarian cancer
■ Never been pregnant or given birth
The facts
■ Occurs in 1 in 69 women
■ Early detection significantly improves survival rates
■ There is no test. A Pap smear only detects cervical cancer
■ Causes symptoms, even in the early stages Symptoms of ovarian cancer
■ Bloating
■ Pelvic or abdominal pain
■ Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
■ Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
See your doctor, preferably a gynae - cologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur almost daily for more than a few weeks. Early diagnosis is key to an improved prognosis.
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