Fight ovarian cancer one step at a time

Thank you for taking the time to visit my page.

In July, my husband John and I will be attempting the National Three Peaks Challenge, in aid of Target Ovarian Cancer. This physically and mentally enduring challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in the UK (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon) within a 24 hour period.

 

Target Ovarian Cancer is the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity. They work to improve early diagnosis, fund life-saving research and provide much-needed support to women with ovarian cancer.

 

 

 

Why am I doing this?

 

I have fundraised for charities in the past, but this one is particularly close to my heart. In December 2021, I was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer, called granulosa cell tumour (GCT). This came as a huge shock - only a few months prior, I had married my brilliant husband, John, and we had hoped to start a family of our own in the near future. Even though both John and I are doctors, neither of us work in gynaecology or oncology, and we were overwhelmed with the information we were given, and how rapidly our lives were catapulted into a timetable of appointments for tests and seeing various specialists.

 

I was fortunate that my cancer was found relatively early, so when I had my surgery (laparotomy), they managed to remove the cancerous ovary and Fallopian tube, lymph nodes, and surrounding structures, but leave my other ovary and womb in place. However, not a day goes by when I don't think about if/when the cancer will return and to what extent my fertility has been affected. I will need to be monitored by an oncologist for the rest of my life, with scans and regular tumour marker blood tests.

Even with all the medical training I have been through as a GP, nothing can prepare you for how a diagnosis like this turns almost every aspect of your life upside down. I hope to turn these emotions and experiences into something positive, to help others.

As I am only a few months post-major abdominal surgery, the 3 Peak Challenge will be a huge endeavour, but I am very determined to do this.

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right:

(1) In Liverpool Women's Hospital after my laparotomy

(2) Recovering at home and having to get over my fear of daily injections (who would know I'm needlephobic?!)

(3) Enjoying Christmas with my family, in my uniform of John's t-shirt and trying to build up my appetite!

 

 

 

John collecting me after my treatment at St Mary's Hospital, and us in front of the hospital having collected my bag of goodies (medicines!).

 

 

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The bigger picture...

 

41,000 women in the UK currently have ovarian cancer, 20 are diagnosed every day, and sadly 11 women die every day.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

If diagnosed at the earliest stage, before the cancer has spread, 9 in 10 women with it will survive. But currently two thirds are diagnosed late, when the cancer is harder to treat.

 

I think awareness needs to be increased:

 

- in the general public (encouraging women to see their GP early if they have symptoms)

 

- in the medical profession (considering ovarian cancer as a possible diagnosis).

 

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner effective treatment can be given and the better outcomes women will have. Target Ovarian Cancer campaigns nationally to raise awareness and provides GP training and toolkits to increase understanding within the profession.

 

Ovarian cancer is a life-changing diagnosis for women of any age. Target Ovarian Cancer offers a fantastic support line, activity and support groups, and resources for women affected. Connecting with other women affected by ovarian cancer has been a lifeline for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I would be so grateful for any donations towards Target Ovarian Cancer - every little really does help:

 

£10 = 10 newly diagnosed women receive a detailed information guide to support them through their diagnosis.

 

£25 = three GPs can access training on ensuring early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

 

£50 = funds three hours of the nurse-led support line giving advice and information.

 

 

 

 

If you can share this page to your social media and with friends and family, we can reach more people this way and together we can change the future for women and their families affected.

 

Thank you all,

 

Charlotte x