A BRAVE young woman has told how she was sent home with paracetamol by her GP after she feared her symptoms were ovarian cancer – only to be diagnosed with the condition months later.
Jordanna Saye, 27, visited her GP when she started suffering from stomach pain, bloating, feeling the need to pee often and getting full quickly, which are all symptoms of the condition.
Jordanna Saye was sent home with paracetamol by doctors who dismissed her pain
She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just months later
Jordanna has told how her dream of having a family was crushed after hysterectomy
Jordanna, from Paisley, was originally told that her intense pain was likely down to endometriosis, which she had been diagnosed with in 2015.
This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and often causes pain.
In 2017, Jordanna was told that she had a tumour in her left ovary – but doctors thought this was related to her endometriosis as well.
To try and catch any early signs of ovarian cancer, she was frequently tested for ovarian cancer with Ca125 blood tests.
And despite having high test results back last year, Jordanna was told this was again linked to the condition and was sent home with paracetamol because she was “too young for cancer”.
But after her condition deteriorated and she lost three stone in just 10 months, she pushed for further tests.
Nine months after she first went to her GP, Jordanna received an MRI scan in hospital which showed an abnormality in her left ovary and she was told she needed it removed.
After having the left one removed in surgery, Jordanna thought the nightmare was over and went on to book IVF treatment with her partner.
But just nine days before she was due to start treatment she was told by a doctor at the clinic that she had stage two ovarian cancer which had spread to both ovaries, her womb and her pelvic wall.
It has also spread to the tissue on her abdomen, meaning needed a full hysterectomy and would never be able to carry children.
Three days before she was set to start the journey of trying for her own family, Jordanna underwent the hysterectomy and is set to start six rounds of chemotherapy this month.
Jordanna launched a fundraiser to try and raise money for a team who are doing a charity 5k for Cancer Research.
And she told how she’s been left “heartbroken” at not being able to carry children of her own one day.
She said: “On the 7th December 2022 my life was turned upside down, when I was diagnosed with stage 2 Ovarian Cancer.
“I ran this eight years ago and never thought my family and friends would ever be running it for me.”
Jordanna added: “I was told I could start IVF a few weeks after my surgery as my MRI scan showed my right overy looked fine so IVF was booked for the 16th December and we were absolutely buzzing.
“Wednesday 7th November I got a call my results were ready could I attend the clinic at 3:40pm.
“That day I got diagnosed with Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer, the cancer was actually in both my ovaries, my womb and my pelvic wall, there was also some visible bits on my abdomen meaning I needed the tissue that covers your organs removed and would need a full hysterectomy and would never be able to carry my own kids.
“On the 13th December I had my full hysterectomy and the lining of my lower abdomen removed.
“My life has been turned upside down, at 27 I never thought I would be the young girl with cancer.
“I lost my chance to have kids that I was meant to start treatment for.
“I am heartbroken, gutted, devastated, I don’t think there is any feeling to describe it all. Time for the biggest fight of my life.”
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Although we cannot discuss individual cases, we are sorry to learn of this patient’s concerns.
“If they get in touch with us, we will attempt to address any concerns they might have.
“NHSGGC’s priority is to ensure the best treatment for our patients with staff across our services continuing to work hard to provide the highest standard of care during these challenging times.”
Anyone looking to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.
