A Survivor’s Story: Jane’s Journey Through Ovarian Cancer

Jane Dawson is a patient Ambassador for the Letitia Linke Research Foundation. She is the mother of 2 daughters and grandmother to 6 granddaughter, and she is living with Ovarian Cancer.

If you were at the Adelaide Silver Style in 2023, you would be familiar with Jane’s story of her Ovarian Cancer diagnosis and journey. Our Chair, Madelyn, recently had the opportunity to speak with Jane, and find out more about her experience nearly 18 months later.

Here is what Jane shared.

Can you share a story of how you were first diagnosed?

I had no prior symptoms until in the very early hours of the morning of 19th March 2019. I awoke with extremely severe pain in my side. I first thought I may have appendicitis. Simon rushed me to the emergency dept. at the Wakefield hospital. Following a CT Scan I was told that I had cancer. At that stage the type of cancer was not known. The tumour was extensive and was causing a bowel blockage. 

How did you feel when you were first diagnosed?

My first reaction was that this was not happening to me. I felt quite removed from the situation and surprisingly calm. I didn’t cry or go into a rage. I can remember saying to my husband ‘how am I meant to process this?” I knew very little about Ovarian Cancer but reasoned the only way to get through the next few days, weeks, months was to stay strong, positive and take each step one day at a time. I was determined to live my life as well as I could.

After my surgery I took a long time to recover any strength. I attended a rehab gym with the guidance of an exercise physiologist. I set myself walking distance goals each day and focussed on getting my body strong again. I also reached out to friends and family for encouragement and support. I made sure I was interacting regularly with positive and fit people. I have a very strong will to make the most of every opportunity and immersed myself in lots of different activities and experiences. These included, learning to play bridge and Mah-jong, Taking up knitting and sewing again after a break for a few years. I continued to swim 3 times a week with a squad and also belong to 2 book clubs which give me inspiration, rigorous discussions and great friendship. I also walk at least an hour 3 times a week. I think my high level of fitness and positive attitude are my 2 secret weapons

What support from family and Community have you received?

On a practical level we get help with our gardening, house cleaning, window cleaning etc. My 2 daughters both live interstate but do visit as regularly as possible given they both have busy family lives and careers. My medical team have been very compassionate and ready to listen to my concerns and quick to act on any emergency that has occurred. My husband has been my main strength as he has stood by and supported me unconditionally.

What lessons and reflections do you have to date?

Before I had cancer I thought that if I was diagnosed I would simply curl up in a ball and lie in the corner and withdraw into myself. The opposite has actually happened. I have adopted a very positive attitude and have made sure I surround myself with positive people. I have gained a much greater strength of character and feel that an active and varied life has been very beneficial. Eating healthily and enjoying the occasional glass of wine brings me joy!! Enjoying a varied range of experiences from film, books, live theatre, music exercising and socialising are the mainstay of my existence.

What would you like others to know about Ovarian Cancer?

I would like other women to be better informed about the very subtle symptoms of Ovarian Cancer that are so easily dismissed by many women. Any minute change in a woman’s body or body functions should be investigated asap. I have 2 daughters and 6 grand daughters and it is a conversation that we have very regularly without trying to alarm the girls but for them to be aware.

What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed?

I would advise them to build a close, open and trusting relationship with their medical team. Listen to all medical advice. Adopt a positive attitude and surround themselves with positive likeminded people. Keep active in varied pursuits. If well enough try learning something new, as it is like meditating. Be kind to yourself and seek help and advice when you need to. Don’t be afraid to express your fears.

How can the community help change the Narrative on Ovarian Cancer?

The development of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month will help to raise awareness. Regular updates about current research and trials need to be more prominent and reported in print and social media. Lobbying politicians (female?) for extra funding for research and trials. High profile identities pushing for greater awareness via social media, sporting events. Women should be encouraged to have regular health check-ups and GP’s need to be pro-active with requesting regular tests etc.

I have a very rich and fortunate life and Ovarian Cancer is one challenge that I am facing head on while still living my life as fully as I can. I will continue to advocate and support any awareness and fundraising and hope that my participation and support of the Letitia Linke research foundation makes a positive contribution.