Facing the future

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 following abdominal pain (diagnosed as gall stones) and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV03 >> Felt she had reached a stage where she could put her cancer experience behind her.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV14 >> Accepted that her cancer could return but hoped to survive for many years.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal ache. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV30 >> Hoped to be able to return to college, to find a husband and live to see her grandchildren.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal bloating and bleeding. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and colostomy, followed by chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV15 >> Felt uncomfortable about planning her life more than a few months ahead.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV23 >> Accepted that she might die from cancer but didn't want a lingering death or have others being responsible for her.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal swelling. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy, complicated by kidney problems.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV01 >> Was surprised when asked where she wanted to die; it seemed too early to think about it.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1992 following abdominal pain. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with further chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Bowel surgery needed to treat blockages.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV01 >> Had talked with her husband and children about what would happen when she died.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV17 >> Saw her '5 year survival' party as an occasion for her friends and family to meet before her funeral.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1998 following breathing and bladder problems, weight gain and bloating, and changed bowel habits. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries and abdominal fluid, chemotherapy, then hysterectomy and further chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV26 >> Discussed within her family what to do with her body after her death.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1993 after requesting a health check (no symptoms experienced). Treated by surgical removal of ovary and womb then chemotherapy. Recurrence after 10 years treated with chemotherapy.

Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV26 >> Describes her concerns about telling her grown-up sons that her cancer had returned and she may not live much longer.

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