Caroline’s ovarian cancer shock
Date of release: 8 March 2024
A grandmother who woke up with a swollen stomach was shocked to be given a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and is sharing her story to urge others to seek medical advice if they notice any change in their bodies.
Caroline Wall
Caroline Wall, 59, who is a foster carer from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer last year.
One morning she noticed her stomach was really swollen and although she knew something didn’t feel right, cancer didn’t cross her mind.
She developed pain and attended the Emergency Department at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) where she also found out her CA 125 bloods were sky high. A CA 125 test measures the amount of protein (cancer antigen 125) in the blood.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I was told I had ovarian cancer. I didn’t know any of the symptoms and couldn’t recall anybody having this in my family. I just thought, how, why, what next,” said Caroline.
“All along I have kept very positive, and with a great support network of family around me and the excellent staff at RWT I have been able to have faith and keep courage.”
After her diagnosis and several mini procedures, Caroline went on to have six to eight sessions of chemotherapy followed by complete removal of her uterus, omentum ( the layer of fatty tissue that covers and supports the intestines and organs in the lower abdomen), cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
She thanks her “lucky stars” every day that she already had her two children before the surgery and describes her husband, Tony Wall, as her “rock.”
Sandeep Gosall, Gynae-oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at RWT said: “We have supported Caroline throughout her cancer journey and will continue to do so.
“We personalise the care to each patient depending on their needs and will always go above and beyond to reassure them.”
Caroline is now battling through her eighth round of chemotherapy and is due to see her Oncologist to talk about long-term plans.
She said: “This may sound strange, but I do look forward to my appointments and coming into hospital because they have helped me through the hardest time of my life.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the fantastic NHS, and I can’t thank everyone involved in my care enough. I can now continue to be a foster carer, a mother, and a grandmother with thanks to RWT.”
Caroline hopes one day that regular screening for signs of ovarian cancer is introduced.
Ovarian cancer can affect anyone who has ovaries. Recognise the BEAT symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- B is for bloating that doesn’t come and go
- E is for eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly
- A is for abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
- T is for toilet changes and urination or bowel habits
Visit the NHS website for further information about ovarian cancer.
ENDS
