A mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer - what she calls a "silent" disease - after she experienced bloating and loss of appetite.
Christina Wilson, 71, noticed her bloating when she was trying to lose weight for her son's wedding but kept getting “heavier” instead. This was despite losing her appetite.
The mum of two also had small bladder leaks but she initially put this down to her age. However, Christina was eventually taken to hospital after suffering several kidney infections and, after blood tests and further scans, she was told she had ovarian cancer.
Christina, who was diagnosed at Walsall Manor Hospital, said: "I felt sick and shocked. I didn’t know anything about ovarian cancer – it is described as the most silent cancer and women need to be educated. The next thought was for my son sitting by me as I had the diagnosis, taking this in and knowing I needed to make my youngest son’s wedding – I was so frightened.
"Now, I know why this is the hidden cancer. All women out there should never put bladder leaks and a change in their stomach size down to their age – it should always be checked."
Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip
Online searches around cancers shot up last week, following Princess Kate's announcement she has the illness. There were 2,840 visits to the NHS page on cancer, almost five times the 600 visits in the same period the previous week. And over the weekend, there were 100,000 visits to the Macmillan Cancer Support site.
Christina also wants to use her experience to help others. The mum, of Walsall, West Midlands, said: "The scan showed I had two tumours, one on each ovary. The doctors and nurses were wonderful, and I remember thinking there was a special kindness in their nature – they really put me and my family at ease.
"My admission to hospital was a welcome relief as I was finally going to get the six and a half litres were drained from my stomach. I think everybody was jealous that I lost a stone overnight – right before Christmas." She has started chemotherapy, which has helped stop the cancer from spreading further and the pensioner has also had major surgery which included a hysterectomy.
She said: “Chemotherapy was tough but 10 days after I felt well enough to socialise. Having things to look forward to in between these sessions is so important. My hair started to fall out after the first round, but I do have to admit that choosing my new wig with my friend was fun.”
Carol Smith, gynaecology clinical nurse specialist at Walsall Manor Hospital, said: “Christina listened to her body and sought medical advice. This led to her undergoing extensive treatment which she has met with positivity and strength. I would like to stress the same message to women everywhere regarding the signs and symptoms of this silent disease.”
Christina attended her son’s wedding and thoroughly enjoyed his special day. She is now in remission, taking daily chemotherapy tablets and having monthly appointments with the Gynaecology Team. For March, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Christina is urging all women over the age of 50 to be aware of potential signs of ovarian cancer.
Here are the key symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Bloating that doesn’t come and go
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal and pelvic pain
- Changes to urination or bowel habits
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
