Deb Tanner (@debtanner666), London
I’m a 72-year-old retired NHS communications consultant who was diagnosed with Stage 3a ovarian cancer in 2014. My only symptom was a monthly period-like pain, but, after an ultrasound scan and a blood test which showed my CA125 was 3,900, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy and weekly carboplatin/taxol as part of the ICON8 clinical trial and have been NED (no evidence of disease) ever since. I’m also BRCA1+, probably inherited from my Ashkenazi Jewish father.
Why I’m involved in this project: I’m an Ovarian Cancer Action Voice, whose role is to increase awareness of ovarian cancer and have been involved with the CLOCS project from the beginning. I believe that ALL research into this disease is vitally important and the more we find out about it, the sooner we’ll find a definitive cure.
Fiona Murphy (@chemo_beauty), London
I was diagnosed with mucinious ovarian cancer on my 25th birthday in 2008. It came as a complete shock as it wasn’t something that I had heard of before. Prior to my diagnosis I had been diagnosed with ibs and had made multiple trips to my GP for over 2 years. My main symptoms was acid reflux I couldn’t leave the house without gaviscon and it would get so bad it felt like I have swallowed bleach. I also suffered from bloating, constant need to go to the toilet and stomach cramps. I tried gluten free dairy free diets to help and nothing ever did. Since my surgery I have never had those symptoms again. My surgeries involved removing a 10lb tumour in my right ovary, appendix, omentum and part of my bowel.
Why I’m involved in this project: I got involved in this project because cancer doesn’t discriminate and because of my age I had the wrong diagnosis for two years. If there is a way of getting earlier diagnosis then it’s something I definitely want to be apart of for myself, those who have been diagnosed and those that are yet to be diagnosed.