Pamela's Story "I’m not the same person I was before my diagnosis, but in a way I’m a new, calmer version of myself, and life is lovely again"
Before her diagnosis, Pamela was living a busy life working in luxury beauty retail until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 51. The chemotherapy caused her to lose confidence, and it took two years for her hair to come back. Now, she runs her own business, helping women feel the best possible whilst navigating life after ovarian cancer.
Pamela and her dog
"Looking back, the ovarian cancer symptoms were there, ; I just didn’t see them for what they were. I felt constantly bloated, like my stomach was full of gas, and I struggled to digest food properly. I didn’t know the symptoms of ovarian cancer, so I just put it down to IBS or maybe a food intolerance. Even when my periods became heavier, I assumed it was the beginning of menopause.
When I went to the doctors, my GP wanted me to have a blood test, but I was so busy with work and life that I kept putting it off. Eventually, I went the day before a holiday. A couple of hours after my blood test, the doctor phoned and mentioned a cancer pathway. I remember thinking he must have had me confused with someone else.
I still went on my holiday, but while I was there my stomach began to swell even more, to the point where I looked heavily pregnant. On the flight home, I was in unbearable pain and ended up in hospital when we landed.
After weeks of tests and biopsies, I was diagnosed with stage 3C high-grade serous ovarian cancer. I also developed ascites, which caused a large build-up of fluid in my abdomen. I needed drains and intravenous feeding for a period of time.
Pamela
I had three cycles of chemotherapy, major debulking surgery and then another three cycles of chemotherapy. After that came a year of Avastin treatment, and I’m now on maintenance treatment until 2027. I’m currently taking olaparib, four tablets a day that are like the size of horse tranquillisers! They are massive, but they’re also saving my life. I also had genetic testing, but it came back negative.
Looking back, I really wish I’d known the symptoms of ovarian cancer. I put everything down to stress, IBS or menopause. If sharing my story encourages even one woman to trust her instincts and seek help, then it’s worth it.
Another thing I would say is try not to scare yourself with online searches. I convinced myself of the absolute worst and it was terrifying. Everyone’s situation is different, and your own medical team are the people who really know you and can guide you.
Pamela
Today, life is different. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to rebuild, return to the career I love and start my own luxury facial business. I wanted to create a place for total relaxation and self-care. Somewhere people can just stop and take some time for themselves, because life gets so busy and we shouldn’t neglect ourselves.
My treatments don’t involve chemicals or medical-grade facials. It’s just about self-care, taking some time out and having that pure relaxation for both the mind and soul. Going back into the spa is exactly what I needed for my mental health, and I’m loving being back doing what I love.
I value every day more deeply than I did before, and I feel so grateful to be able to share my story. I’m not the same person I was before my diagnosis, but in a way I’m a new, calmer version of myself, and life is lovely again. My hair has grown back; it’s beautiful and healthy, and my skin looks fresher than ever.
There are days when I’m visiting Clatterbridge, and I see patients looking really sick, scared and unwell. I just want to tell them, “That was once me. Keep fighting, because look at me now!”
Life does get better."
