DORINDA Leeder was only 35 when her life as she knew it began crumbling around her.
As a young mum to two daughters, the Caroline Springs resident and full-time nurse (pictured) says she never thought a lump found in her abdomen in 2005 would turn out to be stage three ovarian cancer.
“I found a lump in my abdomen about the size of a nectarine. I immediately went to my GP who thought I had appendicitis and wanted scans.”
It wasn’t until months later that blood tests revealed she had ovarian cancer. By that time, the tumour had grown to the size of a melon.
Days later she was admitted to hospital, operated on and started chemotherapy.
“When I was diagnosed, the first thing I asked my oncologist was, ‘What do I have to do to live? I have two daughters I want to watch grow up. They need me’.”
In the past six years, Ms Leeder, now 43, has endured six abdominal operations, including a total hysterectomy. Tumours spread to her liver, bowel and bladder and she continues to battle secondary symptoms of the disease. But she has refused to give up hope. “From the start I always remained positive, never allowing myself to think I was going to die. I never asked, ‘why me?”‘
Ms Leeder, who volunteers as an ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia, says it’s her mission to promote awareness about the disease.
With no screening test available, she says it’s important for women to be aware of the signs of ovarian cancer and not ignore symptoms when they appear. Common symptoms include abdominal and pelvic pain, increased abdominal size and persistent bloating. More than 800 women die from the disease each year.
“I want to play a role to ensure that even if one woman hears me and one woman is saved,” Ms Leeder says. “You always fear, it never leaves you. But being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the fight has been a gift. Life is so valuable. I never take a day for granted.” Last Wednesday was World Ovarian Cancer Day.
More details: ovariancancer.net.au
