When young mum, Carmela Cook, was diagnosed with a very rare cancer her first agonising thoughts were for her eight-year-old son, Rocco, and husband, David.
Would she see Rocco growing up? Would she grow old with David?
Then, she worried for her elderly parents. How could she tell them without worrying them?
Rocco (my son), me (Carmela), and David (my husband).
Now Carmela, 36, from Hunton Bridge, is looking to the future more positively. She considers herself very lucky and is sharing her story to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage people to fundraise for Cancer Research UK.
She said: “We all take our health for granted. We think it won’t happen to me. But, as I now know, being diagnosed with cancer can happen to anybody — young and old.”
Carmela, who works at Marlborough School, St Albans, was diagnosed with small cell cancer of the ovary in January 2009. That type of cancer, which is extremely rare, is more likely to affect younger women than the more common types of ovarian cancer.
Professor Gordon Rustin, Director of Medical Oncology at Mount Vernon Hospital where Carmela is being treated, confirmed how rare her cancer is.
He said: “I see about one hundred new patients with ovarian cancer every year but only once every two to three years see a patient — usually in their twenties — with small cell carcinoma of the ovary. Carmela has been treated with radical surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has hopefully beaten cancer.”
Carmela is organising a ball in November this year to raise money for research but, meanwhile, she is urging as many people as possible to support other activities in the area raising money for research.
Carmela’s world fell apart in September 2008. She constantly felt sick, was putting on weight and was extremely tired. She was also continually thirsty and suffered cravings for melon, which all led her to believe she was pregnant.
Although pregnancy was ruled out, her stomach continued to swell. Carmela then thought she might be diabetic, like her mother and sister. When that was also ruled out she was sent for an ultrasound scan and other tests.
She remembered: “I could tell by the look on the technician’s face there was something far wrong. I was sent back to my doctors that day for the results and he was waiting for me when I arrived at the surgery.”
Carmela and her husband, David, a sales executive, were given the news together.
“They had found a tumour on my left ovary about the size of a small melon. It might be cancer. We went home in utter shock.”
Within days the devastating diagnosis was confirmed.
“I faced a very hard decision — whether or not have a full hysterectomy. I didn’t really have a choice and the operation was done within days.
The tumour was removed. It had not spread. I was so, so lucky it was caught in time.
Because it is such a rare cancer, I underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy because the doctors were unsure of the best way to treat it.
I found it very hard to take the news that I had cancer. I don’t drink or smoke. I knew I would have to tell my parents because they would see the change in me, not least of all losing my hair during treatment.
I was given so much love and support from my family and my husband’s family. At times like this you do find out who your true friends and family are — and I have got many.
Mine was a very aggressive cancer. It is so rare my doctors believe there are only around 17 known cases throughout Europe. That makes me feel even more lucky.
David’s grandmother is also currently battling cancer which has made the whole family even more eager to raise money for research.”
Carmela hopes 300 people will attend the ball she is organising at Watford Hilton Hotel next November.
She added: “The Fight 4 Life Cancer Research Charity Ball is to raise awareness for all types of cancer. Tickets will go on sale next month (February). Together we can raise awareness, money and raise the roof whilst all enjoying a fantastic evening.”
Louise Selman, Cancer Research UK’s volunteer manager in Hertfordshire, said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with someone as positive and inspirational as Carmela.
Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.”
I am really looking forward to attending the ball. We also have many other fundraising events going on locally and nationally throughout the year to raise money to ensure our work continues.”
For more information about Cancer Research UK please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org or call our hotline on 08701 60 20 40.