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Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer: From Mechanic's Pain to Hopeful Recovery
19 Aug
Summary
- Periods changed and severe pain were initially dismissed as normal.
- Stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis came after initial scan and fear of cancer.
- Fertility treatment preserved seven eggs before chemotherapy began.
A trainee mechanic initially experienced worsening pain and irregular periods, but her symptoms were dismissed for some time. In 2024, the pain escalated, leading her to A&E where scans revealed a suspected pelvic cyst. She was monitored and continued working while managing pain with medication.
Further scans confirmed her worst fears: stage 3 ovarian cancer, meaning it had spread beyond her pelvis. The diagnosis also brought the difficult news that she would be unable to have biological children. Despite the emotional toll, she experienced a sense of relief upon receiving a diagnosis and a clear treatment path.
She underwent fertility treatment, resulting in seven eggs being frozen. After completing chemotherapy in September 2025, she has been dealing with persistent effects, including hot flushes, brain fog, joint pain, and fatigue, often struggling to distinguish between menopause and chemotherapy side effects.
