Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer

Sophie Dart, Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer Survivor

I had been suffering with stomach ache, bloating and heavy periods for a long time and after numerous trips to the doctors I was told in December 2015 that I had an ovarian cyst.

They told me it was nothing to worry about and I would be put on a waiting list for it to be removed but it wasn’t urgent… My now husband proposed a couple of weeks before Christmas and we booked our wedding for July 2016.

Fast forward to the end of January 2016 and I was admitted to hospital in the middle of the night as an emergency because I was in so much pain. I was told they would operate the next day to remove the cyst. I thought things were finally getting sorted.

However, the following morning a consultant came to see me (on my own) and told me my blood tests had come back showing that I had a rare and fast spreading form of cancer called germ cell ovarian cancer.

I had to be transferred to another hospital for surgery to remove one of my ovaries along with the cancer. This all happened quickly and I was then sent to see a specialist consultant at Charing Cross Hospital in London.

He set up my BEP chemotherapy, which I was able to have back home in Devon. After 3 rounds of intense chemotherapy and week-long stays in hospital, I was finally given the all clear.

We got married as planned in July 2016… I just wore my wig!

5 years on and I am still clear. I now have 3 monthly check ups either here in Devon or at Charing Cross. I am so grateful that I was fortunate enough to have the cancer diagnosed and treated so quickly. I just wish more people were aware of the symptoms.

I try to keep raising awareness by sharing my blog and information on my social media.