Nadia was only 27 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2022. “I couldn’t even speak – I was so shocked. I never thought this would be something that I’d have to deal with, especially at such a young age.”
Diagnosed in Jersey, where she lives, Nadia was quickly put under the care of Mr John Butler, Consultant Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon at The Royal Marsden, where she underwent an 11-hour surgery to remove the cancer.
Here she shares her story and talks about the enormous value of cancer research.
Under the care of The Royal Marsden
“When I went in for surgery with Mr Butler to remove the cancer, I remember from the very first moment I met him, he took me under his wing. He was so amazing in how he went through everything and explained it all to me. It was such a traumatic situation, but I’ve always felt safe with John. I knew he was going to look after me and that I would be okay.
“Because of the extent of the cancer spread, I had to undergo quite an intense and long surgery where they took so much out – the pelvic tumour, my colon, part of my liver, my spleen – and I had a total hysterectomy and liver resection.”
“I woke up to the news that I’d also had an ileostomy (a procedure to bring the end of your small bowel to the outside of your tummy to form a stoma). This ileostomy was completely unexpected as my scans hadn’t shown anything suspicious in my bowel beforehand.
“The surgery, thankfully, was a big success. They did such an incredible job getting rid of all the cancer that could be physically seen.”
Post surgery recovery and making the most of every moment
“Recovery from surgery was rocky. I was in hospital over Christmas, including Christmas Day. I was in the Critical Care Unit at The Royal Marsden for a few days and had to go through a few blood transfusions. It was intense but I’m so grateful to have got through it.
“The Royal Marsden teams are amazing. I don’t think I’d be here without everyone who looked after me so well. They’re such heroes.”
Following surgery, Nadia had chemotherapy and is now under the care of multiple teams at the hospital. Currently she’s doing well, living back in Jersey and travels to London often for monitoring and follow-up care at The Royal Marsden.
“I’m generally doing well at the moment; my energy is good and I’m making the most of life. Going through an experience like this makes you realise what’s really important. You need to make the most of every moment. Before my diagnosis, I think I was doing too much. I’ve learnt to slow down and listen to my body now.”
Research into gynaecological cancers at The Royal Marsden
Nadia’s consultant, John Butler, is the Medical Director for Lady Garden Foundation, who raise awareness and funding for gynaecological health. For over 10 years, Lady Garden Foundation have generously supported research into gynaecological cancers at The Royal Marsden via The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Some of this includes research into ovarian cancer survival – developing evidence-based recommendations for lifestyle modifications, potentially improving survival for ovarian cancer patients, like Nadia.
“I’m so grateful that more research is being done into the type of ovarian cancer that I have. Research gives people more time and this is all we ever want.”
An opportunity to be involved in future research
Nadia has also started having appointments with Professor Susana Banerjee, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Research Lead for the Gynaecology Unit at The Royal Marsden. Lady Garden Foundation is also funding some of her research projects, via The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity: “The type of low-grade ovarian cancer I have is much more common among the younger age group and this is an area Professor Banerjee is involved in with her research.
“She already told me that she has something lined up for me, a clinical trial, if the cancer in my system becomes measurable again and I need to have additional treatment. This is so reassuring and the information about this trial already sounds so positive in terms of the outcomes other patients are seeing from it.
“Research is so important and it gives me hope that I have options of a clinical trial if needed.”
Help us support The Royal Marsden to give hope to cancer patients
Thanks to supporters like you, we have been able to fund pioneering research which is vital in improving the quality of life for cancer patients like Nadia.
Please consider making a donation today so we can continue supporting this important work - and give hope to people affected by cancer, now and in the future.