“If you feel something isn’t right, trust your instincts and go and get checked.” The words of advice from Co Derry woman Pauline Donnelly, who has opened up about her cancer diagnosis and wants to encourage others to know the symptoms.
Four years on from chemotherapy and surgery, Pauline is once again living life to the full with a ‘heart full of gratitude’ and is sharing her story this March, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Reflecting on her initial symptoms, which came to a head in early 2021, Pauline, who is from Swatragh said: “I had terrible fatigue for quite some time, which I thought was down to my age, and that was going on quite a while. I developed a funny feeling in my lower abdomen and I noticed I was going to the bathroom with greater frequency.”
With hindsight and greater knowledge of the signs and symptoms to look out for, Pauline now knows she should have taken action sooner.
Describing her cancer diagnosis as a huge shock, she went on to have six cycles of chemotherapy along with major surgery which meant she had to learn how to walk again.
She’s telling her story this month to ensure that more women know what to look out for, and to encourage anyone who has a concern to seek professional advice.
“Don’t hesitate, you know your own body. If you feel something isn’t right then go and see your GP,” she said.
Make an appointment to see your GP if you are experiencing symptoms including:
a long lasting, bloated, swollen tummy feeling full quickly when you eat loss of appetite pain in lower tummy or lower back going to the toilet more often than usual needing to go to the toilet with greater urgencyPauline was cared for throughout her cancer journey by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, who were on hand to provide advice, guidance and support.
Urging all women to recognise the signs of ovarian cancer, and seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity, Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Patricia Rogers, said: “Ovarian cancer can be a silent disease but paying attention to your own body can make all the difference. Early detection saves lives.”
For more information about ovarian and other gynaecological cancers go to www.northerntrust.hscni.net/services/cancer-services/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancer/.
Be is your home for all things lifestyle - from health and beauty, to work life and parenting, careers and cooking to fashion and features, and everything in between.
So to make sure you don't miss out on the things that matter to you, we've created a brand-new newsletter pulling the best of Be's content together twice a week.
To sign up, simply enter your email address here and we'll do the rest.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our Be lifestyle newsletter for all the latest showbiz, fashion, beauty, family features and more.
English (United States) ·