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'I Was Diagnosed With Rare Cancer At 33 - More Women Need To Know About It'

Emily Campbell was diagnosed with a rare subtype of ovarian cancer that she was told doesn't respond well to traditional treatments (

Image: Emily Campbell)

Ovarian cancer survivor Emily Campbell is on a mission to transform the way the disease is treated and understood. Sharing her personal journey with Reach, she offers guidance on everything from breaking the news to loved ones, recognising symptoms, and questioning doctors, all in an effort to support other young women - especially those battling ovarian cancer.

In December 2022, at the age of 33, Emily began suffering from severe bloating that made her appear "seven months pregnant". By February, she underwent surgery to remove her reproductive organs and appendix, which were laden with tumours, which she now realises had likely been growing for years.

During her hospital stay, Emily and her husband Chris couldn't help but notice how frequently doctors commented on the "rare" nature of her condition. Motivated by this experience, the founder of Not These Ovaries is determined to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and ensure young women facing this challenge don't feel isolated or overwhelmed.

One of the hardest moments for Emily was having to inform her parents about her cancer and the surgery. It was here that her husband, Chris, that stepped up, embodying Emily's first piece of advice for those diagnosed with cancer: "Designate someone to tell your story for you or be the communicator."

By the time Emily started experiencing symptoms, the tumours had already spread across multiple organs (

Image:

Emily Campbell)

Emily added: "My husband, Chris, was the one that made the phone calls and had the conversations. It's good intentions because they care and they want to know, but it's okay to just put your phone away for 24 hours and not respond to them." She also spoke on the emotional toll, advising people: "It's okay to share as little or as much information as you want."

Emily further highlighted the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings: "In the doctor's appointment, as a woman, medical conditions present themselves differently than in men and men are just more studied. Sometimes doctors just don't know so it's important to say; 'This is not right. This is not how my body should feel or does feel ever'. Keep pushing for that until you get an answer."

For those navigating diagnosis or treatment options, she encouraged thorough questioning and record-keeping: "It's okay to come into a doctor's appointment and have like a list of a hundred questions. They're not going to think you're silly for it. We recorded a lot of our conversations with doctors and took notes, it's amazing how much you don't remember (in that time of stress)."

On World Cancer Day, while many emphasise the importance of being alert to symptoms, Emily, who initially overlooked some signs herself, offered an alternate perspective. She is frustrated with this view, although she does want more people to be aware of the symptoms too.

She explained: "I hate that mentality, it puts the onus on women. How many times do you really want to go to the doctor's office and be like; 'Well I'm constipated'. It shouldn't be on us."

Emily urged empathy towards all cancer sufferers, sharing her own experience after hearing some disheartening comparisons between ovarian cancer and breast cancer: "You don't know when you look at me, but it (feels) like a loss of your womanhood too. When you lose when you lose those organs, that make you a woman. It's devastating to know we won't have any kids naturally but it's something that we come to terms with."

The NHS lists common ovarian cancer symptoms as a swollen or bloated stomach, discomfort, feeling full quickly while eating, and increased urination. Back pain, tiredness, weight loss, post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, and indigestion are also some indicators to keep an eye on.

Emily and her husband officially launched the non-profit a year after her surgery (

Image:

Emily Campbell)

Ovarian cancer often does not present noticeable symptoms until it is in the advanced stages, with diagnoses typically peaking for patients in their late 70s, according to Cancer Research UK. However, while ovarian cancer is not particularly rare, certain subtypes are less common, such as the one Emily was diagnosed with, which predominantly affects younger women aged between 20 and 40.

Emily said: "Low-Grade tumors are slower growing, they don't respond well to chemotherapy. There's no FDA approved treatment for low-grade cancers. So these women are experiencing these unique challenges that older women don't have because you're thinking of fertility, you go into early onset menopause."

She also highlighted the high recurrence rate of this cancer type, meaning she must continue with blood tests, scans, and medication indefinitely as part of a "lifelong maintenance" regime. Through her non-profit organisation, Emily, a cancer survivor herself, is determined to improve the situation for future patients with low-grade ovarian cancer: "Ultimately the goal is to find the cure and find the treatment and find a diagnosis tool."

Greg Brooks Jr. Speaks Out About Lawsuit Against LSU, Recovery From Brain Surgery

Greg Brooks Jr., a former safety for the Louisiana State University Tigers football team, is speaking out to share advice for young athletes after undergoing a lifechanging brain surgery and brain tumor diagnosis.

"I just want young athletes in the same spot I was, if something is hurting, tell them," Brooks Jr. Said in an interview with "Good Morning America" co-anchor Michael Strahan that aired Monday on "GMA," referring to coaches and school officials. "And if they don't do anything about it, go get your second opinion. Because if I would have known that, I wouldn't be the way I am right now."

Brooks Jr., now 23, was a newly selected team caption for LSU in August 2023 when he said he began experiencing symptoms including nausea, dizziness and headaches during football practice.

The next month, in September, the Louisiana native was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent brain surgery.

In a lawsuit filed in August 2024 in Louisiana, Brooks Jr. Alleged negligence by both LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, where he underwent brain surgery.

Brooks Jr. States in the lawsuit that he "passed out" during practice, and "then began to vomit minutes later in front of his coaches and athletic trainers." The lawsuit claims that Brooks Jr. Was told by an LSU athletic trainer that he had vertigo and was "cleared to return to practice."

According to the filing, despite continuing to report those symptoms on a "daily basis," it was not until 39 days after Brooks Jr. Said his symptoms began that "the team made an appointment with a neurologist who discovered the brain tumor."

Greg Brooks Sr., left, and Greg Brooks Jr. Speak with ABC News' Michael Strahan in an interview that aired Feb. 3, 2025, on "Good Morning America."

ABC News

Brooks Jr.'s father, Greg Brooks Sr., claims he was not notified by LSU of his son's condition until he was told he would undergo brain surgery.

"The one call that I received was, 'I need you to get here. Your son is having emergency surgery tomorrow morning,'" Brooks Sr. Told Strahan, adding that at the time, he put trust in his son's coaches at LSU.

"He's at LSU, one of the best colleges in the United States. Would I have ever thought that his best interests wouldn't be at heart? No," Brooks Sr. Said, adding that he did not seek a second medical opinion for his son.

The family's lawsuit alleges the surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center who performed brain surgery on Brooks Jr. To try to remove the tumor was "not qualified to do this particular surgery."

The lawsuit alleges that during the surgery, Brooks Jr. Suffered "multiple strokes" and was left with what the suit describes as "severe and permanent injuries."

Brooks Jr. Described waking up from the surgery as waking up from a "nightmare."

"Honestly, I all thought it was fake. Like, I was in disbelief," he told Strahan. "Like, a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from."

Following the surgery, Brooks Jr. Underwent both chemotherapy and radiation.

Though he has since been declared cancer-free by doctors, Brooks Jr. Has had to relearn how to eat, write and speak following surgery, and undergoes speech and occupational therapies daily, according to his dad.

"The disease is not the issue," Brooks Sr. Said of his son's cancer diagnosis. "He did wonderful with his radiation, with his chemo. This is the aftermath of injury from surgery."

Throughout Brooks Jr.'s cancer journey and recovery from surgery, Brooks Sr. Claims the family has not heard from the coaching staff of LSU since October 2023, shortly after the diagnosis.

"Specifically Brian Kelly," Brooks Sr. Said of LSU's head football coach. "My son almost lost his life. Coach, where were you? Forget about football. Pick up the phone and say you love the kid, man."

At the time Brooks Jr.'s lawsuit was filed in August, LSU said in a statement that school could not comment on ongoing litigation, but that Brooks "remains in our thoughts and prayers." The university also referred ABC News to its statement released in August.

Stretches That Help After Breast Cancer Surgery

Recovery from breast cancer surgery demands patience and a methodical approach to healing. The process impacts physical movement and emotional well-being, but specific stretching exercises can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Understanding proper movement techniques after surgery helps patients regain strength and confidence effectively, while preventing potential complications during the healing process.

Why movement matters

Breast cancer surgery typically involves tissue removal, lymph node extraction, or breast reconstruction, leading to reduced mobility and potential swelling. Without proper management, the body's healing process creates scar tissue that may restrict movement over time. These physical changes can impact daily activities and overall quality of life, making proper post-surgery care essential.

Regular stretching provides essential benefits for recovery:

Decreased stiffness in chest muscles and shoulder areas helps patients return to daily activities more comfortably. These improvements often become noticeable within the first few weeks of consistent practice. The reduction in muscle tension allows for easier movement during routine tasks like reaching or lifting.

Enhanced blood circulation promotes faster healing and reduces post-surgical swelling, particularly in areas affected by lymph node removal. This improved flow helps prevent complications and supports tissue recovery. Proper circulation also aids in reducing the risk of lymphedema and other post-surgical complications.

Restored range of motion in arms and shoulders enables patients to perform routine tasks with greater ease. This progression typically occurs gradually over several months of dedicated practice. Patients often notice improvements in activities such as dressing, personal care, and household chores.

Reduced physical tension contributes to better emotional well-being, helping patients manage stress during the recovery period. This mind-body connection plays a crucial role in the healing process, supporting both physical rehabilitation and psychological adjustment to changes after surgery.

Essential recovery stretches

Medical clearance from healthcare providers remains crucial before beginning any post-surgery exercise routine. Once approved, these fundamental stretches help restore flexibility and reduce discomfort. Each exercise should be performed with careful attention to form and personal limitations.

Shoulder mobility exercises

The shoulder roll technique offers a gentle introduction to post-surgery movement. Patients perform forward and backward circular motions while maintaining proper posture, completing 5-10 repetitions in each direction. This basic exercise helps release upper body tension without straining surgical sites. The controlled motion promotes blood flow and gradually increases range of motion in the shoulder area.

Range of motion development

The wand exercise uses a light stick or rolled towel to improve shoulder and chest mobility. Patients hold the tool with both hands at shoulder height, gradually raising it overhead within their comfort range. This controlled movement, repeated 5-10 times, helps restore natural arm movement patterns. The exercise can be modified based on individual comfort levels and progressed as strength improves.

Wall climbing exercises

Wall climbing exercises allow for gradual improvement in arm flexibility. Starting with fingers at waist level, patients slowly walk their hands up the wall, maintaining control throughout the movement. This technique encourages gentle stretching without overexertion. The exercise should be performed 5-10 times on each side, with attention to maintaining proper posture throughout the movement.

Chest flexibility work

The doorway chest stretch helps counteract post-surgical tightness. Standing near a doorframe, patients place one hand on the frame at shoulder level and gently rotate away from the arm, creating a mild stretch across the chest. This movement should be held for 15-30 seconds on each side, focusing on steady breathing and avoiding overextension.

Upper body tension relief

The seated side stretch addresses tension in the upper body and lateral muscles. While sitting with feet flat on the floor, patients raise one arm overhead and lean gently to the opposite side. This stretch, held for 15 seconds per side, helps maintain flexibility in the torso and promotes proper posture during recovery.

Implementing a safe stretching routine

Success in post-surgery stretching requires attention to proper technique and gradual progression. Patients should:

Begin with gentle movements, avoiding any exercises that cause sharp pain or discomfort. Listen to your body's signals and adjust accordingly. Pain during stretching may indicate a need to modify the technique or consult with healthcare providers.

Practice deep breathing techniques during stretches to promote muscle relaxation and optimize oxygen flow to healing tissues. This mindful approach enhances the effectiveness of each movement and helps reduce stress during recovery.

Maintain consistency with daily stretching sessions while respecting physical limitations. Progress occurs through regular, measured practice rather than intense, sporadic efforts. Creating a routine helps establish healthy habits that support long-term recovery.

Monitor physical responses and document any concerns for discussion with healthcare providers. This tracking helps ensure safe progression through the recovery process and allows for timely adjustments to the exercise routine when needed.

Long-term benefits and support

The impact of regular stretching extends beyond physical recovery. These exercises help patients regain a sense of control over their bodies while fostering a positive mindset during rehabilitation. Combining stretching with other approved activities, such as walking, creates a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of healing.

Support from rehabilitation specialists and fellow survivors enhances motivation and provides valuable guidance throughout the healing journey. This network of support, combined with dedicated practice, helps patients work toward renewed strength and improved quality of life. Regular communication with healthcare providers ensures that the stretching routine continues to meet individual needs and recovery goals.

This story was created using AI technology.

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