'I hired a photographer for their christening because a voice in the back of my head told me the next time all these people would be together was for my funeral.'
8 months after Hannah gave birth to her second child she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Low Grade Ovarian Cancer.
This is her story...
In August 2019, my daughter was 4 years old and my son was 8 months. I hired a photographer for their christening because a voice in the back of my head told me the next time all these people would be together would be for my funeral.
I’d had chronic constipation since April. I was given laxatives and told it was my body returning to normal after giving birth. When the laxative didn’t work they said it was IBS and then that the heartburn, backache, bloating and being unable to eat was simply because the constipation was pushing my stomach up and not allowing room for food.
Then, two weeks before I turned 36, I finally found out the reason was actually Stage 3 Low Grade Ovarian Cancer.
I’d need chemo, extensive surgery and my baby would likely grow up with no memories of me.
I went to the doctor's repeatedly over those 6 months, if I hasn't been so often I wouldn't be here now.
My son is now 3 years old and my daughter is 7. My cancer is treatable but incurable. I’ll be on medication to control the cancer for as long as it works.
If you have a feeling something is wrong with your body, please listen to it. Advocate for yourself!
Nobody is too young for cancer. If you need to, ask for a second opinion.
Your friends and family need you to be here
Hannah x
