Skip to content

Peterborough teen back home after rare ovarian cancer treatment

Family photo Family in a carFamily photo
On her way home - Bethany (rear) with father Martin and mother Tina

A girl who spent more than six weeks in hospital being treated for a rare form of ovarian cancer has returned home for belated Christmas celebrations.

Bethany, 13, who lives near Peterborough, was in isolation in hospital because her immune system was weakened by her treatment.

Following discharge, she is now getting the chance to open the rest of her presents and enjoy time with family.

"It's much better being at home," she said.

Family photo Bethany in bedFamily photo
Teenager Bethany said she was glad to be home

Her mother Tina said: "It's unbelievable. I can't tell you how good it feels. Words can't describe.

"She's already asking if she can go back to school and has been chatting to her friends."

Bethany was diagnosed in July after she had stomach cramps that would not go away.

An MRI scan revealed she had a large mass around her ovary - and because the cancer, called small cell carcinoma hypercalcemic cancer, had a genetic link, both of her ovaries had to be removed.

Family Photo Bethany sitting on a tree branchFamily Photo
Bethany was like any other teenager, but began feeling unwell in the summer

Bethany was treated at Addenbrooke's in Cambridge.

She had four operations and six rounds of chemotherapy - and before Christmas underwent high-dose chemotherapy, leaving her immune system severely compromised.

Bethany's cancer was rare, but it was also unusual for a young person to contract the ovarian form of the disease.

The charity, Ovarian Cancer Action, said less than 1% of all diagnoses every year were in women under 20 and it was far more frequently diagnosed in the over-50s.

Family photo Bethany in bed with a presentFamily photo
Bethany was showered with gifts during her six-week stay in hospital

Bethany was given many cards and gifts from home and abroad during her hospital stay, and said she was "overwhelmed" by the kindness of strangers.

She still has to undergo a programme of radiotherapy, but there is positivity about the future.

In the days ahead, the family, including her brother Ethan, are planning Christmas celebrations and a belated Christmas dinner.

Her mother Tina said: "It's fabulous to have her home. It's so brilliant to have the four of us back together."

presentational grey line

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830