Living with Ovarian Cancer

I was diagnosed with edometial and ovarian cancer in Nov 2005. I had a hysterectomy and had both ovaries removed. I also had half of my rectum and a bit of bowel removed, as I had a tumour in The Pouch of Douglas which was completely plastered to my rectum - as my surgeon charmingly put it! I currently have a temporary colostomy bag!

I was originally being treated for endometriosis by my gynaecologist. One day I read in my local paper that he had been suspended from his job after other patients and staff had made complaints about him. I phoned the helpline given in the paper and was offered a review of my treatment. That is when I found out I had cancer!

My cancer was caught early, at stage 1. I have had chemo and radiotherapy and am currently in remmission. Hopefully I have been very lucky and it wont come back. But you never can tell with cancer! I try to stay as positive as I can.

I go to two cancer support groups which are both brilliant. I would be lost without them.

My parents, especially my dad have not coped very well with me having cancer, but my younger sister and especially my brother have been very supportive.

I am 37 and have been told it is rare for someone of my age to get this type of cancer.