Katy Stephenson, a 49-year-old estate agent, faces a stark reality after being misdiagnosed with menopause when she was actually battling ovarian cancer. Despite the devastating prognosis, she remains determined to live life to the fullest.
Katy lives with her husband Patrick, 56, an architect, and their children Jack, 18, and Tilly, 15. Reflecting on her journey, she shares the emotional rollercoaster that began in January 2021. What started as a routine visit to the A&E for stomach pain quickly escalated into a life-altering diagnosis.
“I was told I had appendicitis,” Katy recalls. “But tests revealed cell changes in my ovary and fallopian tubes.” Although doctors initially downplayed the findings, a biopsy confirmed her worst fears: stage one ovarian cancer.
Months before this diagnosis, Katy had consulted her GP about symptoms like frequent urination, bloating, and abdominal pain, only to be reassured they were signs of perimenopause. The misdiagnosis delayed her cancer detection, adding to the shock when the correct diagnosis finally came.
“Breaking the news to my family was the hardest part,” Katy says. “Tilly burst into tears, and Jack became very quiet. My husband, Patrick, tried to console me, but we were all devastated.”
Following a total hysterectomy and five months of chemotherapy, Katy was thrust into surgical menopause, enduring severe side effects like hot flushes, insomnia, and neuropathy. Despite these challenges, June 2021 brought a glimmer of hope when she was declared disease-free.
However, the relief was short-lived. In September 2022, a routine test revealed her cancer had spread and was now incurable. “I was told I had four years to live,” Katy says. “It was horrendous news, but I was determined to keep fighting.”
Extensive surgery, additional chemotherapy, and medication aimed at halting cancer cell growth followed. Though she had to switch treatments due to intolerable side effects, her recent test results have been stable, providing a small measure of comfort.
Katy now focuses on making the most of her time, embracing milestones like her upcoming 50th birthday, her 20th wedding anniversary, and family holidays. She also finds purpose in raising awareness about gynaecological health through The Lady Garden Foundation, a charity she discovered in January.
“Living with incurable cancer is incredibly hard,” she admits. “But I’ve learned the best gift I can give my kids is to be as normal as possible. I’m not dying from cancer; I’m living with it.”
Katy’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of early cancer detection and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As she continues to navigate her journey, her message is clear: “Nobody knows when they’re going to die, and I’m determined to make the most of the time I have left.”
Credit: The Sun
