When faced with the unimaginable, Tina’s journey through ovarian cancer showcases resilience, hope, and the importance of early detection. In an intimate conversation, Tina shared her story of shock, rapid medical interventions, and the power of a positive mindset.
Upon being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Tina's initial reaction was one of utter shock. "I didn’t believe the doctor at all," she said, recounting the disbelief that paired with her diagnosis, which came exactly a year ago. What followed was a whirlwind of medical appointments and urgent procedures that left little time for processing.
"There wasn’t a lot of time," Tina explained. The timeline was tight: diagnosed on a Tuesday, she underwent blood tests and scans by Thursday, and saw a surgeon the following Monday. The swift succession of events was overwhelming. "You didn’t really get the chance to process it, you just had to go straight into it."
Tina's journey began innocuously with a flu diagnosis. Visiting her regular doctor for what she thought was a simple flu, Tina was blindsided when her doctor expressed concern about her stomach. “He looked at me and said, ‘What’s wrong with your stomach?’ I said, ‘Nothing.’ He insisted, ‘No, no, there’s something wrong with your stomach.’”
Despite having no symptoms, Tina's doctor immediately ordered blood tests and scans, leading to the discovery of a 5kg mass. The rapid progression from a flu visit to a cancer diagnosis was surreal. “That’s why it was such a shock for us,” Tina’s husband Andy added.
Adjusting to the reality of her diagnosis was challenging. “I don’t know, coming to terms with it,” Tina reflected on the most difficult part of her journey. Despite the overwhelming news, she immediately embarked on a rigorous treatment path.
“I had a full hysterectomy, plus my appendix,” Tina shared. The mass was so significant that it required an extensive operation, which she recovered from surprisingly quickly. “I had the operation on the Friday and the Monday I went home. That’s how quickly I recovered.”
Post-surgery, Tina faced several side effects from her treatments, including chemotherapy. “I had constipation. I have numbness of the hands,” she detailed. These symptoms persist, coming and going, but they haven’t dampened her spirit. Tina attends conferences to stay informed and find hope in the shared experiences of others.
Emotionally, Tina has adopted a resilient outlook. “Take it as a grain of salt,” she advised, emphasising the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. This perspective has been crucial in navigating the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment.
Throughout her journey, Tina found immense support from her family. “All the family getting together and being close” was a silver lining in an otherwise tough period. Her children, despite their initial tears, remained positive and supportive.
Faith also played a significant role in Tina’s resilience. “There’s always hope. There is always hope,” she emphasized, finding solace in her faith and the strength to face each day with optimism.
Tina’s advice for those newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer is simple yet profound: “Just keep a positive mind and don’t give up. Listen to the doctors and what they say, and you will get through it.” Her message is a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.
As Tina continues her recovery, she remains a powerful advocate for cancer awareness. “Never give up. Stay positive and never give up. And if you wake up the next morning and you’re breathing, it’s another bonus day,” Tina concluded, her words resonating with strength and hope.