Anne K's story

Anne Kennedy, from Dungannon, shares her experience of ovarian cancer.

I had pain in my right side which was continually on-going for around three or four months, but I had also been having bowel problems so I put it down to my irritable bowel. The pain then got very severe so I went to my GP who advised me I had a cyst and that he would refer me for an ultrasound. My GP was very thorough and got the investigations started immediately.

I had seen the bowel consultant and was waiting on investigations as I thought all my symptoms related to my irritable bowel. I honestly didn’t think for one minute that it was cancer. I was shocked and stunned when I received my diagnosis of ovarian and womb cancer.

Just remember that it is your life and you know your own body better than anyone, so if in doubt get it checked out.

I had an operation followed by chemotherapy. My chemo finished in 2009 and I am now in remission. My hospital reviews have finished now and I just attend my GP every year to get my blood checked and monitored. I now continually monitor myself and I am very aware of any health changes. I have other hospital appointments and scans also as a result of my diagnosis and have side effects - but if that is the only consequence of all this, I am really very thankful.

I have since given up my work and my outlook on life has completely changed. I value life, friendships and family more than ever. I no longer really allow the small niggles and silliness of daily life to annoy me. The main thing is that I am still here today. 

I would advise anyone to attend your GP immediately if you notice anything that does not seem normal. And if your fears or concerns are being ignored, persist as early diagnosis is crucial and saves lives.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly in the early stages of the disease, and they are often the same as symptoms of other less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, which is what I thought it was.

Just remember that it is your life and you know your own body better than anyone, so if in doubt get it checked out.