A Blantyre mum who went undiagnosed with cancer for months has made it her mission to raise awareness of her condition.
Joanna Newlands was dealt the devastating blow that she had ovarian cancer over four months after attending both her GP surgery and hospital with symptoms including intense pain, bloating, repeated urine infections, feeling nauseous and constantly tired.
It was only when a fourth GP recognised some symptoms - although initially believing it to be kidney stones - that an urgent CT scan was booked for the mum-of-two.
However, during that scan medical professionals discovered that Joanna had huge tumours on her ovaries the size of melons and she was quickly sent for a CA125 blood test that specifically detects ovarian cancer.
Joanna, of Stonefield Road, told Lanarkshire Live : "Back in May 2021 I started to notice intense back pain, so severe I couldn't work and from there the symptoms worsened.
"The pain got worse and I had constant urine infections. I looked eight months pregnant with bloating, couldn’t fit into my normal clothes, I had pain in my pelvic area when passing urine and constantly felt sick and tired.
"I spoke to my GP practice weekly via telephone as I just wasn’t getting any better and still four months on I was telling them about my re-current symptoms.
"I also attended out of hours GP appointments in the middle of the night with pain during this period and also A&E at Wishaw General and not once was I offered a scan to look into these symptoms further.
"Eventually at a gynaecologist appointment after the CT scan results where the tumours were found, a CA125 blood test determined I had hundreds of cells - the normal range for a CA125 is from 0-35 - and I was given the news I had suspected ovarian cancer and I would need to have a full hysterectomy to confirm 100 per cent if I had this horrible disease.
"To say I was in shock was an understatement."
A few weeks later, married Joanna underwent a hysterectomy operation when it was confirmed via the telephone that she had non-hormonal low grade serious ovarian cancer stage 3A (advanced).
The 37-year-old continued: "That news was earth shattering and in the blink of an eye my life changed.
"I learned that my cancer is less resistant to chemotherapy and due to it being non-hormonal and a rarer form of cancer, the treatment options are limited - so my first option was to try the chemotherapy.
"I started that in November 2021 and have just finished my sixth and final session.
"It has been really gruelling and I have joint pain that you wouldn’t believe and fatigue that, no matter how much I sleep, just doesn’t lift. But these are the side effects of chemotherapy and I’m hoping they will ease over time.
"I've also learned that low grade serious ovarian cancer has a high recurrence rate, but I’m praying that I’m in the minority when it comes to this - I guess only time will tell."
Joanna is urging women with certain symptoms to get themselves checked at the earliest opportunity.
Those feeling bloated, who can’t eat a full meal, have pain during intercourse, frequent uncomfortable pain from pelvic area when passing urine, lower back pain, stomach pain, and/or fatigue, should get checked for ovarian cancer.
Joanna urged: "Go see your GP and ask for a CA125 blood test - it could save your life."
Now Joanna and her best friend Irene Robinson are taking part in the Walk all over Cancer fundraiser in aid of Cancer Research, where despite her pain and fatigue she will aim to walk 10,000 steps every day in March to mark Ovarian cancer awareness month.
She added: "Irene wanted to do something to raise funds for Cancer Research and so decided to take part in this walk.
"I will do my very best to do it with her as it is important for me to raise awareness of this disease and to highlight the signs and symptoms in women.
"I am extremely thankful and grateful to have Irene in my life - she is walking my cancer walk with me and I’ll walk this fundraising walk with her."
The duo initially set out to raise £150 but had quickly gathered in just over £500 so set a new target for the charity of £1000.
To donate to the ladies cause please head online.
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