Being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, at the age of 47, came as a big shock not least because I have never felt fitter after much lockdown Zwifting (static bike) and open water swimming to keep sane!  I had also been teetotal for 6 months. As often is the case with Ovarian Ca by the time I was diagnosed the cancer had spread to my peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining) and was at an advanced Stage 3C.   

At first it was considered inoperable due to the cancerous nodules having spread far and wide.  The oncologist and surgeons between them offered me 6 rounds of chemo, followed by a CT scan to see if the tumours had shrunk enough for surgery to be an option.  Thankfully,  I responded well to chemo and surgery was next to remove all visible cancer from the abdominal cavity.

So, after much to ing and fro ing between Warwick Hospital and UHCW (The Walsgrave) for various blood tests, Covid swabs, and pre-op assessments I was dropped off by Stephen and Imogen at UHCW on the 29th December at the Gynaecological ward; all masked up, we waved goodbye through the ward door window.  30th December - operation day and our 10th wedding anniversary!  

I was let out 6 days later with the incision scar starting to heal:  glued together not stapled.  I wasn't allowed to do much for the first few weeks but I started short walks on my return home and haven't looked back…..