How a Dedicated Care Team, Personal Resilience, and Community Support Shaped Her ‘Thrivorship’

Renata P., a 44-year-old Adelaide resident, learned of her advanced (Stage III) ovarian cancer diagnosis in February 2022. Months prior, her doctors attributed various pelvic issues, constant illnesses, and extreme fatigue to unrelated causes. By late 2021, she developed rashes on her legs, forehead, and chest, along with escalating weakness that made daily tasks nearly impossible. A chance referral to a rheumatologist revealed paraneoplastic dermatomyositis—a rare autoimmune response triggered by cancerous tumors.

Further tests confirmed that the cancer had spread to her omentum and spleen, but she was given hope for remission. Renata underwent major surgery, including a radical debulking and hysterectomy, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy administered weekly. Simultaneously, she adopted exercise medicine sessions to bolster her resilience. Along her journey, Renata discovered crucial support through Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Teal Support Program. Renee, her dedicated ovarian cancer nurse, called every two weeks to answer questions and help manage physical and emotional side effects. Later, psychologist Lauren provided essential mental health support to address fears of recurrence, chronic fatigue, and shifts in identity, parenting, and relationships.

Today, Renata is in complete remission, though she faces a sobering statistic: her chances of surviving another four years stand at just 29%. Like many women diagnosed at an advanced stage—70% of ovarian cancers are discovered late—she hopes for greater awareness, earlier detection, and improved survival rates. Having personally benefited from specialized nursing and psychological care, Renata passionately advocates for broader access to these life-changing resources. Her story is a testament to the power of community, expert treatment, and a hopeful mindset, illustrating what she calls “thrivorship.”