A family who received the all-clear for their daughter’s uncommon form of ovarian cancer expressed their “relief and amazement” on social media.
The 14-year-old Bethany, who resides close to Peterborough, was diagnosed in July 2023 following persistent stomach cramps.
The news was described as “very emotional” by Bethany’s mother Tina. She continued: “It’s amazing, you can see the change in her, my little girl has come back.”
The family made it clear that their campaigning and fundraising would continue despite the good news. They’ll keep pushing for general practitioners to “keep investigating” in cases where treatment is ineffective.
“Surreal”
Bethany’s ovaries had to be removed due to a genetic link between her small cell carcinoma hypercalcemic cancer and the large mass around it that was discovered by an MRI scan. She received care at Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
The family’s “surreal” return to normalcy following Bethany’s all-clear has involved a planned vacation and a delayed start to school. “She has been having BBQs, being back to school and had friends round,” said Tina.
“It’s a bit surreal still and I want to get into a routine, one that I am finding difficult at the moment… but discovering that news was a relief, and definitely very emotional.”
And how Bethany’s normal teenage “cheek” had been a welcome and much-appreciated return, she continued.
“Talking to parents who have experienced the same thing helped us,” Tina stated.
You don’t need to explain everything to one another, you can vent to each other, and you share the same confusion and rage.
“We made a few lasting acquaintances on Bethany’s journey… you need a person and she knows where you’re coming from.”
Bethany has a scheduled procedure to remove her Hickman line, which is a tube that is inserted into sizable blood vessels via a tiny incision in her neck and upper chest.
She intends to ring a ceremonial bell in the hospital after the appointment at the end of May to mark the completion of her treatment.
“We’re still fundraising, and we’ll keep bringing in money and raising awareness,” Tina stated.
“We want general practitioners to understand that there are symptoms of diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome that are similar to those of ovarian cancer.
“When medication to treat a diagnosis fails to cure it, they need to look into the cause earlier, to ensure we don’t lose thousands of women.”
