On 15 September 2024, I will be running the Richmond Marathon in support of Ovacome. This marathon has been postponed for many reasons outside of my control (Covid, the Queen's death, a heatwave) but I will finally be running it this month!

Ovacome is a charity that is very personal to me as I had to seek their support and guidance in 2021 after having been diagnosed with Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer.

My journey:

During the summer of 2020 and into early 2021 I experienced severe lower abdominal pains, severe headaches, and I became frequently bloated.

After several telephone consultations with the local GP, of which no action was taken, I sought help via my private medical care and was very quickly diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. During a very sort period of time, the cyst grew rapidly to 20cm by 20cm and an MRI showed that there were "suspicious" cells visible. I was booked into have the cyst removed by laparoscopy but this was cancelled, and I was referred to an oncologist in London.

I was quickly admitted to King Edward's Hospital, London and the cyst was removed successfully along with my right ovary and samples of other organs which had to be tested in case the malignant cells had spread. 

I was diagnosed with Stage 1A Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer, and I am being monitored heavily by an amazing oncologist.  I now have trimonthly appointments, semi-annual MRI scan and monthly blood tests  . 

Had this been left any longer, I have been informed that the cells could have spread, and it might not have been such a success story.  In addition, I am now having to discuss fertility options as my left remaining ovary is polycystic.  Had my symptoms not been ignored or passed off I fear that this could have been avoided. However, it is important for me now to speak up about my symptoms and journey because had I not reacted to my symptoms and pushed the NHS GPs, I may not have been so lucky.  I am very fortunate that I had private medical care as I feel this is what saved my life, but I know others are not in such a position.  I am now working with Ovacome to tell my story and I am volunteering with training doctors and nurses to help them identify these symptoms so that more can be done to assist women. Zoey Wickens