So how did my ovarian cancer journey begin? I’d had an annoying, niggling cough for over two months and, in early November 2023, I visited some close friends, one of whom was an ICU nurse. She noticed my cough and asked me a few questions, before recommending I go to my GP as soon as I got home. She and my other friends told me that they would hound me till I saw a doctor.
Knowing they wouldn’t let me ignore it, I booked an appointment to see my GP in Nelson, and I asked my doctor to refer me for an x-ray and blood tests. My blood test result came back showing I had an inflammation somewhere within my body and that I was anaemic so my doctor immediately ordered a follow-up set of the same blood tests – this time the results showed my inflammation was becoming more concerning. My chest x-ray came back clear so my GP put me forward for an urgent CT scan. They booked my scan for the day of my birthday, but I didn’t mind as I wanted it done ASAP.
I had the scan and I was told that if I didn’t hear back from them within a day or so it was good news. When I received a phone call the next day, I knew they had found something. My world came crashing down and I left work in tears.
Learning that two large masses had been found in my lower abdominal area felt like good news at the time as it ruled out possible throat or lung cancer.
After seeing the doctor, I had an ultrasound the next day to take a closer look at the masses and, by early January, I had an appointment to see a gynaecologist. She ordered more blood tests – specifically a CA125, the cancer marker test. I was also referred to a general surgeon to investigate whether the mass originated in my bowel or was a gynaecological issue.
It was around this time I started to experience some of the more common ovarian cancer symptoms – pain when urinating and when having bowel movements – due to the pressure of the masses in those areas. It was a Friday in January 2024 that I was told I had clear cell carcinoma, staged as 3A2, that had metastasised into my bowel.
Within a week, I was at the Christchurch Women’s Hospital. A gynaecologist told me that the ‘old me’, for all intents and purposes, was gone and that the ‘new me’ would have to adapt to the future, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to do some of the things that the ‘old me’ had done. I’ll always remember those words and I use the ‘new me’ phrase a lot when talking to people about my journey.
"They say it’s never going to happen to you until it happens to you, and how true that statement is."
They say it’s never going to happen to you until it happens to you, and how true that statement is. When I told my friends about my diagnosis, they said that I was too healthy and fit to get cancer. I know they meant well, but you quickly realise that cancer does not only happen to unhealthy people – it knows no boundaries. But on the other hand, my good health and fitness level made a huge difference in my subsequent recovery.
Just a few weeks after my diagnosis, I had a successful surgery where they removed my two tumours and I was referred for chemotherapy in Nelson to ‘mop up’ the microscopic remains in my omentum. I had a stoma created with an ileostomy bag, which will stay in place until after my chemotherapy has finished. This allows my main bowel to heal and lets the oncology team focus on my chemo, rather than any bowel problems that could complicate things.
I was initially apprehensive of my ileostomy bag but now it has become second nature. Most people who have a bag with a stoma normally name it so I named mine P!NK, after the colour a healthy stoma should be and of course the singer. I had purchased tickets to P!NK’s concert a year prior and I was determined to go see her – she’d been on my bucket list, and I was now very aware of how important that list was going to be for me. My chemo was delayed by a week so I could see her before my first chemo treatment.
I have hit a few ‘speed bumps’ along the way with my treatment but so far nothing too major and I’m hopeful that my subsequent scan(s) will show no further cancer within me.
I have a fantastic oncologist in Nelson and I have had such an amazing and positive experience within the public healthcare system. I have been humbled and impressed by the health professionals who have looked after me.
My ovarian cancer journey is far from over. I am very realistic about this, but I remain positive and I will fight this to my very last breath with the love and support of family and friends. My advice to any woman who starts to experience anything out of the ordinary, no matter what it is, is to get an appointment with your GP straight away. You may have to be that squeaky wheel and keep on at your GP if you’re not happy with what they tell you. You’re the only one who knows your body and how it should feel.
Oddly, my cough has never returned, or been explained (it’s not a common symptom of ovarian cancer). I look at it as my body’s way of letting me know that something wasn’t right. Listen to your body, listen to your friends and loved ones. I want to be one of the 36% of women with ovarian cancer who survive more than five years. Until there is a screening test developed for this insidious disease, you need to take control of your health and learn not to take no for an answer.
Kia kaha my amazing Wāhine Toa’s (female warriors).
We are grateful to Jenni for sharing her experience with ovarian cancer and for helping us raise awareness. If you would like to share your story too, please get in touch.
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Bloating
- Eating less but feeling fuller
- Needing to pee more or urgently
- Changes in bowel habits
- Pain in the abdomen, back or pelvic area
- Fatigue
Indigestion, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, unexplained weight changes and painful sex are also possible.
Find out more about ovarian cancer symptoms.
