Dublin Woman’s Urgent Cancer Warning After Late Diagnosis

URGENT UPDATE: A mother from Dublin, Deirdre Fennelly, has revealed her shocking diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer, stemming from what she initially believed to be unrelated health issues. This alarming case highlights the crucial need for women to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer, especially since it cannot be detected through routine cervical screenings.

In 2021, Deirdre began experiencing debilitating symptoms, including a persistent bloated tummy that led her to join WeightWatchers, thinking it was merely a weight issue. “I was horrified looking at it,” she shared. “I didn’t know it was a symptom of ovarian cancer.”

The nightmare escalated over several months as she faced multiple urinary tract infections and chest congestion, which were later linked to inflamed lymph nodes associated with her cancer. “Realistically, I think my body was desperately trying to tell me something was seriously wrong, but I didn’t listen,” Deirdre explained.

After enduring excruciating pain, she rushed to the emergency department, suspecting kidney stones. After hours of waiting, she returned home only to find herself in severe discomfort again the next morning. A follow-up visit revealed the devastating news: a tumor on her left ovary, and a diagnosis of early stage four ovarian cancer with a survival rate of just 25%.

Deirdre’s emotional struggle deepened as she reflected on her three children, stating, “I couldn’t understand where the lives of my three children had begun, had now turned against me and was trying to kill me.” During her treatment, she lost a close friend to the same disease, adding to her profound sadness.

After two years of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a nine-hour surgery, Deirdre is now in remission but continues to live under the shadow of her diagnosis, undergoing regular scans every six months. “I would have thought that a stage four diagnosis was the end of the road, but apparently not,” she remarked.

Deirdre is now on a mission to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, emphasizing that cervical screenings do not check for this particular type of cancer. “One in three women mistakenly believe that cervical screenings check for all gynecological cancers,” she noted.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has identified key symptoms of ovarian cancer, including a feeling of constant bloating, abdominal discomfort, quick fullness while eating, and an increased need to urinate. Deirdre urges women to be vigilant: “I hadn’t a clue. I thought by going for my cervical screening every year, I was covered.”

As she advocates for greater awareness and research funding for ovarian cancer, Deirdre’s story serves as a critical reminder for women everywhere to pay attention to their bodies and consult healthcare providers about any unusual symptoms.

For more information on ovarian cancer and its symptoms, visit the HSE website.