“You should always listen to your body and get checked when something doesn’t feel right”

“You should always listen to your body and get checked when something doesn’t feel right.”

Sharon Hever, who is recovering from ovarian cancer treatment, wants her words to resonate with others as she shares her story and highlights a support group at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust that has helped her.

Sharon Hever

The 58 year old received eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by major surgery after she was diagnosed with the disease.

She made a doctor’s appointment after experiencing bloating and a slight change in bowel habits.

“I first realised something was wrong when I was feeling full all the time and had no appetite,” she said.

“I was very bloated and also had a slight change in bowel habits, so I went to the doctor’s.

“She ordered urgent bloods where it showed my levels were elevated, and I was put on a two-week referral.”

During this time, Sharon was rushed into A&E due to the severity of her bloating. Around six or seven litres was drained from her abdominal and she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

She then had eight chemotherapy sessions, followed by debulking surgery, which included a hysterectomy, appendectomy, and removal of omentum (tissue layer).

She added: “I responded well to treatment and feel a lot better now.

“I saw chemo as a positive and I didn’t have many side effects, so I was lucky.

“The support I had from the Nursing teams at Wolverhampton was fantastic.

“They were so reassuring and kind.

“I have also started going to the support group run by the Trust, which has also been great as I have managed to meet different ladies diagnosed with cancer and share our stories.

“This makes you feel less alone and takes your mind off it.”

For more information about the support group call 01902 695184.