A woman from Paisley, who was sent home by a GP after she complained of ovarian cancer symptoms, has been left distraught after she was later diagnosed with the illness and left unable to have children.
Jordanna Saye visited Dr Richmond and Partners, in Linwood, last February complaining of stomach pain, bloating, feeling full very quickly and needing to pee more often - all common symptoms of the disease.
The 27-year-old received an endometriosis diagnosis in 2015 and in 2017 a tumour found in her left ovary was thought to be connected to the condition. She was being monitored for early signs of ovarian cancer with Ca125 blood tests - which test for protein, reports the Daily Record.
READ MORE: Glasgow police seize guns and drugs worth £9million in major blow to organised crime
Although results returned with high test markers last year, she was told by a GP that she was 'too young for cancer', and they sent her home with paracetamol for the pain that was deemed to be connected with her endometriosis.
Jordanna said: "I first went to the doctors in February last year with more or less all the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
"They just kept palming me off. The doctor said I was too young to have cancer and the pain was likely to be my endometriosis - but it was a different type of pain.
"I was going to the doctors with symptoms every month and I was given paracetamol. I ended up going to hospital because the pain was so severe. I was really going downhill."
She lost three stone in just 10 months as her health continued to deteriorate, and began to suffer back pain and fatigue.
The 27-year-old demanded further tests and was referred to a gynaecologist. She received care at three hospitals and an MRI scan revealed an abnormality on her left ovary. She was then diagnosed with low grade ovarian cancer on November 7, 2022 - nine months after contacting her GP.
It was initially believed Jordanna would only need surgery on her left ovary and she was booked in for a course of IVF so she could have a baby with her partner Chris.
Surgeons discovered that the cancer had spread to both of her ovaries, her womb, pelvis and further up her abdomen during the operation.
On December 13, Jordanna had a full hysterectomy and was left devastated as her dreams of having children were crushed. She will now begin chemotherapy to treat Stage 3 low grade ovarian cancer.
She continued: "I was due to start IVF on December 17th, and I was so excited.
"Then I was told the cancer had spread. I will never be able to have a family - that has changed my life. I'm only 27 and knowing I'll never have a baby is hard.
"I'm terrified about starting my treatment. There is no guarantee it will work but I want to give myself the best chance. My hysterectomy is now causing menopause symptoms too.
"I had to sit down with my mum and make life-changing decisions. I've lost all faith in the NHS."
Jordanna will start six rounds of chemotherapy on February 17 and then begin hormone suppressants for five years. She is also now at a higher risk of developing a secondary cancer.
She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to push their doctors for further tests if they believe something is wrong.
She added: "I'm now having chemotherapy and can't ever have a family because GPs didn't listen. Don't let a doctor tell you your symptoms are nothing.
"If you know something is wrong, push for a test or you could have everything taken away from you like I did."
Jordanna is sharing her cancer journey on social media. She has welcomed anyone going through a similar experience to get in touch.
She is fundraising for Pretty Muddy for Cancer Research and donations can be made by clicking here.
A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: "Although we cannot discuss individual cases, we are sorry to learn of this patients concerns. If they get in touch with us, we will attempt to address any concerns they might have.
“NHSGGC’s priority is to ensure the best treatment for our patients with staff across our services continuing to work hard to provide the highest standard of care during these challenging times.”
READ NEXT:
Martin Compston 'wanders Glasgow streets' in the dark after hotel overbooks his room
Glasgow gangster has prison escort and is handcuffed to guard as he gives eulogy at mum's funeral
Lanarkshire hero 'in agony' after being forced to sleep in a chair for six weeks
BBC's Two Doors Down to return for season 7, hints Elaine C Smith
Glaswegians wake up to 'brightest flash and loudest thunder known to man' as lights go out
