73-year-old Betsy was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2020. She was referred to The Royal Marsden for her initial treatment and a major surgery.
Unfortunately, her cancer returned in May 2024 and she is now receiving treatment through the GLORIOSA clinical trial.
Here, she shares her ovarian cancer story and the “wonderful” care she has received at The Royal Marsden – from the hotline nurses to the cutting edge research she’s been involved in.
An ovarian cancer diagnosis
“I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in late August 2020 which was a complete bolt out of the blue. I was 69 years old.
“I’d probably been to my GP about six times to get checked out, but they kept telling me I had IBS. I felt so bloated all the time. Within six weeks, I was filled with ascites, (abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen), which made me look like I was nine months pregnant! You couldn’t possibly ignore the symptoms of ovarian cancer when you’re faced with this.
“After my diagnosis, I was immediately referred to The Royal Marsden. I’m a researcher in my own life, and I knew of The Royal Marsden’s reputation when it came to research, so I knew I'd be getting the very best treatment and care.”
Initial treatment at the hospital
“I went through six cycles of chemotherapy alongside a major seven-hour surgery at The Royal Marsden. All of this happened during the height of COVID. It was a difficult time for everyone but especially if you were a patient and highly vulnerable.
“I was on Olaparib treatment for a while, which I know is a relatively new targeted drug, but I could feel that the cancer was still lurking."
“I was having regular scans which caught the cancer coming back as early as possible.”
“One of the great things about The Royal Marsden is that I very much feel a part of my own treatment. When we knew the cancer was coming back, we did a watch and wait before deciding on next steps. I was having regular scans which caught the cancer coming back as early as possible.”
The Royal Marsden Hotline
While at the hospital, Betsy also benefitted from the help of The Royal Marsden Hotline nurses when she was feeling unwell after a treatment session. "I’ve used the hotline a number of times. The most important time was when they advised me to attend the Medical Day Unit immediately. They conducted a thorough check and found an infection that was swiftly treated.”
“Having access to the 24-hour hotline is so reassuring. Feeling supported is worth its weight in gold, knowing that you always have someone to speak to – whatever time of the day it is."Thanks to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s funding, The Royal Marsden Hotline (020 8915 6899) is expanding to allow more patients like Betsy to access specialist support more easily.
Taking part in the GLORIOSA clinical trial
“After my cancer returned, we decided the next best step was to try a clinical trial. I’m on the GLORIOSA clinical trial which is trialling ovarian cancer treatments that will not only benefit me, but those who come after me too. The treatment involves:
- chemotherapy for six months
- taking a new drug which is a type of immunotherapy, which harnesses my own proteins to kill the proteins of the cancer cells."
When you put patients at the heart of change it makes a huge difference.
“The Royal Marsden have been wonderful. To know I’m on the cutting edge of research with the treatment I’m receiving and to know my case is being discussed at multidisciplinary team meetings is very reassuring. Being on a clinical trial, you feel like you have your own little team!"
“I’m a social researcher, a criminologist, and I believe very much in data and science and applying that to real life. This is why I volunteered to be on the clinical trial. When you put patients at the heart of change it makes a huge difference.”
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has funded two lead gynaecological research nurses, thanks to a generous donation from the Lady Garden Foundation. They play a vital role in facilitating groundbreaking research trials such as the GLORISOA trial at The Royal Marsden.
How Betsy is doing now
“My latest results show that I’m not having any adverse effects from my treatment, which is so important as it means I’m able to continue on this clinical trial. The results have also shown that my cancer markers have plummeted which is such great news."
“It’s early days for now. If this treatment continues to work I could continue on it for years! It’s already making a difference which I’m so grateful for. I couldn’t fault any of the care or treatment I’ve had at The Royal Marsden."
“I think it’s absolutely critical to have a centre of excellence like The Royal Marsden. What The Royal Marsden does through its research is practice changing: it benefits the whole of the NHS and further afield. People should absolutely continue supporting this work through The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”With your help, we can continue to fund pioneering clinical trials, as well as more specialist staff so they can provide timely advice and support to more patients and their loved ones.