My first symptoms started in December 2018 with strong abdominal, pelvic and lower back pain. I suspected this was connected with a cyst on my left ovary, which I've had since I was a teenager. I monitored it regularly; doctors said there was no need to remove as it was benign and not growing much.

However after having my second child at 38, the cyst began to grow. I had a scan in June 2018 and was diagnosed with an "endometrioma" (benign cyst of 7cm).

On 27 December 2018 I went to a local hospital. A simple scan was performed and the doctor seemed to suspect that something was not right; I was asked to return on 3 January to see the same gynaecologist who did my scan in June 2018 and diagnosed a benign cyst. A further pelvic scan suggested there had been a "degeneration" or "mutation" of the cyst.

An abdominopelvic MRI on 15 January confirmed the suspicion of malignancy on my left ovary. The cyst was now 14cm; its size had doubled in 6 months.

In February 2019, following surgery, I was diagnosed with mucinous ovarian carcinoma stage 1a grade 3.

I had total hysterectomy, full debulking and I was initially advised to start chemotherapy. I'm trying to gather as much information as possible, I've requested a second medical opinion and a revision of the biopsy, so I can make a decision.

The surgery was almost 3 months ago, I recovered slowly but steadily and physically I feel great now. I haven't had any menopausal symptoms or hormonal treatment yet.

I am very scared. I'm afraid of losing all my confidence, my strength and determination.

I have to keep strong for my small children (5 and 2 years old), although it's not always easy and there are lots of ups and downs. I needed to speak to someone who was going through the same as me, who could understand me better than any doctor, with whom I could share experiences. I found that through Ovacome.