Mary Grice Woods, from Aberystwyth, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 12. She was informed shortly thereafter that she would be unable to have children naturally.
After ten years of keeping her experience to herself, she desires to share it in order to assist others.
She stated that her initial diagnosis did not faze her and that she did not give it much thought until she began seeing a therapist about a year ago.
She told BBC Cymru Fyw,
“I was so embarrassed by what had occurred that I did not speak to anyone about it for a long time.”
“I’m quite sad that I won’t be able to have children naturally, but I’m also very happy that I’m alive and healthy, which is the most important thing.”
Mary has been an enthusiastic dancer and regular winner at the Urdd National Eisteddfod since a tender age.
She is currently a professional dancer and will soon graduate from the University of West London.
At the conclusion of the mental health awareness week, she emphasized the significance of people sharing their experiences.
“I went to the hospital with lower abdominal discomfort. When they removed my appendix, they discovered a cancerous tumor on my right ovary. It was terrifying.
“At a young age, I had to cope with a multitude of challenges. As soon as they discovered that my left ovary was also at risk of developing a tumor, it was removed.
“Unfortunately, this meant I lost the opportunity to have children naturally. This was an extremely difficult truth to embrace.”
She spent six years in and out of the hospital, and repeated surgeries prevented her from dancing for several weeks at a time.
However, she stated that dancing has been her “escape from reality” throughout the years.
According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 7,500 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually in the United Kingdom.
Half of these cases are diagnosed in women aged 63 or older, and it is especially uncommon in adolescent girls and women.
Mary stated,
“I now believe it is crucial to discuss what occurred, not only for my own sake but also for the sake of others.”
“Also, I’m extremely impassioned about assisting other individuals with ovarian cancer. I have participated in several endurance events and even spent a day dancing nonstop to raise money for charity.”
“I get quite emotional at these events, and I find it difficult to speak publicly about what has happened to me, but after each event, I always feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders,” she continued.
“However, I am growing to embrace what occurred, and I am extremely proud of who I am now.
“It is crucial to communicate and share experiences. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 12, but it has not prevented me from pursuing my goals.”
Mary is about to complete her final year of Dance Performance studies at the Creative Academy, and she expects to acquire an agent in the coming weeks so that she can begin working professionally.
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