Irish Woman’s Shocking Cancer Diagnosis After Muscle Pain

Grainne Morgan-O’Rourke, a woman from Carrickmacross in Monaghan, received a devastating cancer diagnosis after initially believing she had merely pulled a muscle. In August 2022, during a routine visit to her general practitioner for a smear test, she mentioned persistent abdominal pain that she thought was due to a strain.

In July, Grainne had experienced what she described as a muscle pain in her stomach after twisting quickly. The discomfort lingered for two weeks, prompting her to mention it to her GP. Following her doctor’s recommendation, she underwent an ultrasound, expecting only routine results. Instead, the scan led to further examinations and a referral to a specialist due to the discovery of a significant ovarian cyst.

As she awaited her appointment with the consultant, Grainne maintained a sense of optimism, believing the cyst would not pose serious health risks. However, the specialist presented her with two surgical options: removal of one ovary and one fallopian tube or a full hysterectomy. Given her age of 44 and the fact that she had two children, Grainne opted for the complete procedure, wanting to avoid additional surgeries in the future.

Strongly practical, she approached the surgery with a mindset of acceptance, stating, “just take it” to manage her health proactively. Her surgery took place in November 2022, and just three weeks later, she received life-altering news: the cyst contained cancer cells, leading to a diagnosis of stage 1A clear cell ovarian cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

“I was shocked. I was worried about the cyst but never thought it was cancer,” Grainne explained. Despite her fears upon hearing the diagnosis, her consultant reassured her, saying, “you dodged a bullet, it’s all gone, surgery got rid of it, go live your life.”

Following her surgery, doctors recommended precautionary chemotherapy. Grainne began her treatment on January 9, 2023, completing four rounds by March 20, 2023. Each session lasted around five hours, and although she experienced significant side effects, including muscle pain and hair loss, she considered herself fortunate that the symptoms were manageable.

Reflecting on her chemotherapy journey, Grainne acknowledged the emotional toll of losing her hair, which she ultimately chose to shave off. She acquired a wig but felt liberated when she decided to go without it during a holiday in May 2023.

As she returned to work on reduced hours, Grainne navigated the realities of surgical menopause, compounded by the effects of chemotherapy. She noted joint pain and insomnia as lingering challenges but found ways to cope.

Grainne chose not to disclose her diagnosis to her children, who were six and ten at the time. Instead, she explained her hair loss as a side effect of medication. Now three years post-diagnosis, she remains under medical observation but feels optimistic about her health.

In sharing her story, Grainne aims to raise awareness on World GO Day, a global initiative dedicated to promoting understanding of gynaecologic cancers. Her message to other women is clear: “Any little change you notice or anything that’s not normal for you, go and get it checked.”

She cautions against relying on online information, urging women to seek medical advice rather than Googling symptoms, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. “Just think of the positives, not the negatives,” she added, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset during challenging times.

Grainne’s journey highlights the crucial role of early detection and the importance of being proactive about health concerns. By sharing her experience, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when necessary.