Tag: FindingCyril

Analogies to help you think positively

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We have already said that cancer does not discriminate. It can choose anybody of any age. I had an overwhelming moment prior to the second chemo session. I shared how I felt with my family. I described my emotions like a painting of dots. I felt like the small black dot and everybody else around me represented the colourful dots. Everybody told me that the latter is a unique way to describe these emotions. My family understood why I felt like the black dot. I had been given the shock of my life. Later on, I said to my sisters that I want to be a gold dot on the painting and we decided that this is what I have to push myself to continuously feel because some of this battle is about my strong and positive mindset. However, it is normal to have moments where you feel like the black dot.

imageThe analogy of the painting can be extended to what has been spoken about in previous blogs. That is to say, the need for women (young women included) to be more aware about ovarian cancer. If you feel you have any of the symptoms then you must keep going to get checked. Don’t allow the symptoms to be confused for IBS. Don’t take the risk. This is because we must be vigilant in terms of looking out for signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, and checking things that worry us or we are not sure about. Being extra cautious keeps the chances of ever feeling like the black dot as low as possible. All women must remain colourful dots (you can choose your colour!) however difficult it may be.

Another analogy I heard came from my boyfriend, Jonny. He said, ‘Imagine you are in a car, driving to a destination. As you are driving, there is an accident ahead and you end up stuck in traffic. The whole time you are stuck in traffic you are thinking about what you could be doing at the destination (who I’d see, who I could be talking to, etc). ‘He continued by saying, ‘The waiting in traffic, knowing that you may be missing things, is frustrating but ultimately, the traffic eases and you reach the destination a little delayed.’ This analogy made me feel better because even though ‘Cyril’ has delayed aspects of my life, ultimately I will still accomplish them albeit a few months later than I wanted.

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My second chemo session

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Today marked the second milestone on my road to recovery. After having my blood taken and the test coming back as suitable to proceed, I started my second session of chemotherapy. Below are some pictures of my experience.

Thank you to doctors and nurses of the Royal Marsden for keeping a smile on my face and to my aunt for the foot rubs!

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Misdiagnosed as IBS

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“This cancer is aggressive. It could even have come on in a matter of weeks.” This is what my consultant told me after giving me the diagnosis. The shock of the diagnosis was even more compounded by the fact that I had a pelvic scan and CA125 blood test 7 months ago. My one saving grace is that the 4th doctor I saw picked on the cancer from the symptoms I had.

The aim of this blog is to raise awareness to the fact that these symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed as IBS. This is what happened to me 3 times in the space of two weeks. Initially, my GP, a gastroenterologist and an A&E doctor all assumed I had IBS and constipation after feeling my stomach and doing a generic blood scan. The symptoms I had included:

  • Severe abdominal bloating (I was asked by several people when I was due as I looked 4 t0 5 months pregnant)
  • Pain when urinating
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Severe constipation (I hadn’t gone to the toilet properly for almost a week.)

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Due to the misdiagnosis, I was prescribed laxatives. Whenever I took these, I felt worse and the pain and discomfort intensified. Once I was diagnosed properly, my doctor explained why this was. The bloating was from a huge build up of liquid around my organs (they drained off almost 5.5 litres). From what I understand, this liquid put pressure on my bowels, constricting them and stopped me from using the toilet. When I took the laxatives, I felt worse because I got more and more clogged up.

These symptoms came on quickly over a couple, of weeks and as they went on they intensified. It wasn’t until I went to A&E for the second time (due to the pain and discomfort) that they finally did a CT scan.

These symptoms can be too often be confused with bowel issues. If you experience these symptoms, please go straight to the GP. Nag, moan, complain and make a pain of yourselves if you need to girls but please make sure you get checked! I am just very thankful, grateful and happy that my symptoms were picked up on and that I am able to have the treatment to get better.

If you experience these symptoms, ovarian cancer must be considered regardless of age. It is rare at a young age but it can happen.

For more information look at the websites below:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-ovary/pages/symptoms.aspx

http://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/what-ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-symptoms

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/ovarian-cancer/understanding-cancer/signs-symptoms.html

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Taking my mind off Cyril‏

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I am 27 and going through something that is so rare for my age. It’s the love from family and friends that is spurring me on. What a fantastic day with my wonderful friend Dominique! Loved the park 😀😀

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A present from my favorite artist

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Laura Footes is a dear friend from university. She is the most amazing artist. She has worked with my children at school on a few occasions and they adored her! She has used art in a unique way to spur me on in my fight!

You can find out more information regarding Laura Footes on the following websites:

http://cargocollective.com/laurafootes/About

http://royaldrawingschool.org/artists/drawing-year-alumni/laura-footes/

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The kindness of stranger‏s

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As a 27 year old walking into a chemotherapy room, I was frightened beyond belief. A fellow teacher sitting on the chair next to me spoke to me about her experiences because she could see that I was so young and distressed. She wrote the message above in my journal to give me hope.

Road to recovery

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I woke up on Monday full of fear wondering what the day would hold for me. Of course I was anxious, who wouldn’t be. But, I was a good girl and still had my breakfast!  I really want to try and keep my hair, so I’ve decided to try the Cold Cap which is like a helmet filled with a special gel and freezes the scalp to below -2 degrees.  We’ll have to wait and see if it works.  IV line in place and 6 1/2 hours of chemo started to flow through my veins.  How odd that to kill this disease, I’m being filled with poison.  Poison to kill a poison. If you’re wondering if it hurt…the answer is no. It’s so important that young people are made aware of the brutality of cancer and that it can attack anyone.  Cancer does not discriminate, it can effect anyone at any time and at any age. My first chemo session was documented by my father via texts to our family WhatsApp group!

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The start of ‘Cyril’

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This all started with stomach cramps and constipation. My stomach swelled to the point that I looked three months pregnant. My second visit to A & E in one week revealed abnormal blood test results. This led to them doing a CT scan, which revealed a concerning swelling on my right ovary. It felt like my world had fallen apart.

My parents had me transferred to the Royal Marsden because my gynaecologist is based there. He expressed his concerns about ovarian cancer. I felt like the earth had opened up and swallowed me up. I just felt numb. To deal with the potential diagnosis my dad decided we should call cancer ‘Cyril.’ I cannot explain why but that made the whole thing feel less frightening. It even confused my friend when I said in a text that it might be ‘Cyril!’

I was in hospital for three days, had over 5.5 litres of fluid was drained from my stomach and underwent a biopsy. My wonderful nurse came in with me. We discussed what we would talk about but I got so nervous I was completed sedated!

It didn’t take long for the results to be given and a plan to be put in place. I was diagnosed on a Thursday and the treatment started the following Monday. My consultants are so kind and caring that when they recognised my severe anxiety about hair loss they decided to administer the treatment in weekly doses to give me the best chances with scalp cooling. The first photo I will share is of my swollen tummy! It’s a key symptom to look out for and you must remember that ovarian cancer can be confused with bowel problems.

I thank God that the symptoms surfaced because there’s no screening for ovarian cancer and symptoms usually don’t surface. I hope that I can raise awareness for more women [including young women] to get checked. It’s rare in young women but it can happen.

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