Despite working as a pharmacist and wellbeing coach, Samixa from Middlesex, Edgware wasn’t aware of the early warning signs of ovarian cancer when she received a stage 4 diagnosis at 49-years-old.
For Samixa, the physical and mental impacts of receiving a diagnosis have had a major effect on her daily life, particularly given she’s the primary caregiver for her husband, whose progressive eye condition has left him registered blind with restricted visual acuity.
Following her diagnosis, Samixa decided to prioritise spending time at home, giving her body a much-needed rest. A devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, she’s drawn on her family for support as she’s learned to navigate her ‘new normal’ living with advanced ovarian cancer.
Today, Samixa is focused on self-care to support her mental well-being; she’s adopted a healthy diet, has set boundaries to avoid overexerting herself, and is prioritising hobbies like reading and spending time with loved ones. Samixa also dedicates herself to volunteering for cancer charities, including serving as a trustee for Ovacome, a leading ovarian cancer charity in the UK.
Her determination to make a difference following her diagnosis has only fueled her commitment to raising awareness and spreading hope about living with ovarian cancer, embracing each moment as an opportunity to advocate for those affected. With the time she has left, she’s promised to not let her disease hold her back and is optimistic for the future. She spoke to Asian Voice about it:
1. Samixa, can you share what early warning signs of ovarian cancer you wish you had known before your diagnosis?
I did find the signs of ovarian cancer on the internet and came across the BEAT signs and symptoms but I did not realise that they were produced by Ovacome. I wish I had contacted Ovacome before I started treatment for ovarian cancer. The BEAT signs and symptoms are:
B is for bloating that doesn’t come and go
E is for eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly
A is for abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
T is for toilet changes in urination or bowel habits
2. How has your diagnosis impacted your role as a primary caregiver for your husband, and how have you managed these challenges?
My diagnosis resulted in me feeling very concerned about how my husband would manage if I was not able to support him. In the initial years, I had felt that I had to try and put everything in place to support him. Things have now changed as it is 12 years since I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I am now living with and beyond cancer and have started asking for support where I can. I am also getting my husband to think more about how he can access support from other sources. I have realised that I need to make my self-care a priority so that I can support my well-being as well as my husband’s wellbeing.
3. What steps have you taken to prioritize your physical and mental well-being since your diagnosis, and how have these changes affected your daily life?
I have made sure I find time to meet up with friends, attend support groups or meet with people who have had a diagnosis of cancer, attend exercise classes and attend a regular creative writing class. Ovacome provides several regular online and face-to-face support sessions which I attend when I can. I would call my clinical nurse specialist or the Ovacome support line whenever I feel I need to talk about something that is bothering me or I need some information. In addition, I have also had sessions with a clinical psychologist and counsellor to support my mental health. It is very important to ask for help and access support rather than try to manage everything on one’s own.
4. How has your family supported you in adapting to your 'new normal' living with advanced ovarian cancer?
I have been very fortunate that my family have listened to me when I have explained to them why I may not be able to do something any more or how I do not want to continue doing certain things. They have also been very good in allowing me to pursue any activities that I have put into place for my physical and mental well-being. The most important thing that my family have given me is the opportunity to look after my own health needs and have allowed me to advocate for myself. They have let me make my own treatment choices and have always supported me in my decision.
5. Can you tell us about your involvement with cancer charities like Ovacome, and how volunteering has influenced your journey?
My first contact with Ovacome was in 2012 when I called the support line for advice on side effects due to chemotherapy. I was very happy to speak to someone very kind and reassuring. I became a member of the charity and have never looked back since then. Becoming a member of Ovacome is free and has a lot of advantages. Ovacome is a member-led charity which means it listens to what the members say and will try and meet members' needs as best as it can. I started volunteering with Ovacome in 2014 when the Survivors Teaching Students project was launched. I have continued to volunteer for various other projects. In 2022, I became a trustee of Ovacome since I would like to continue raising awareness of ovarian cancer and make sure that everyone can get support from Ovacome regardless of culture, language or any other health inequalities. I believe everyone is entitled to equal healthcare and the best outcomes possible.
6. What message or advice would you like to share with others who are either living with ovarian cancer or seeking to raise awareness about the disease?
I would advise anyone who is concerned about ovarian cancer or wants to raise awareness should look at the Ovacome website and make contact with them.
