Knowing Knowing Knowing

My mum died of breast cancer at the age of 51, and I was 22 at the time and with a new baby. When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I found out through my specialist that breast cancer and ovarian cancer were connected, which was something that I wasn't aware of. Since I now know that I have tried to spread the word, on not only the connection, but the symptoms. Many women, young and mature, are not aware of the connection between breast and ovarian cancer, and many do not know the symptoms.

Before I realised I had ovarian cancer I was a Store Manager for NoniB for 15 years. My job involved being up and down ladders, lifting heavy manequinnes and boxes, etc. on a daily basis. I also had bulging discs from a fall in-store. When I suffered from backaches, I have put it down to my bulging discs. As for my weight, I worked with women and we were always on diets. The main thing I look back on is that I lost a little weight, but I stablised and stayed the same for some months. Then one day I started to feel bloated and had pressure on my bladder, and had bowel changes.

Finally, after some googling, I will be honest, I would say to my husband, "I think I have irritable bowel syndrome" or "I think I have celiac". Each time my husband would say, "Just go to the doctor." Made one appointment and then cancelled. I was too busy at work so my sisters would come have lunch with me every week on Friday. I was in so much pain with my back and I realised I had to finally make that apt. So I took a week off work to follow up if I needed to have tests. That was 3 years ago and I never returned to work. I had 12 months off then decided that I didn't need that stress. My health was more important. Nothing is more important than your health. Don't ignore your symptoms or feel that you're being a hypochondriac for going to see a doctor.

I was extremely lucky that my doctor had picked up on my symptoms to get it as early as I did. Most cases are diagnosed at later stages or not diagnosed at all. My doctor is a male, but he was away at the time so I saw this other doctor who was female. I guess I will never know if he would have picked up on the symptoms as quickly as a female doctor. If you're not satisfied, ask for a specialist or go see another doctor.

Your body, your life.

-Jannine Napier