Anne Nally, a cervical cancer survivor from Mount Temple, delivered her son Colin prematurely before enduring extensive radiation, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy. Today, Nally advocates for better physiological and psychological support for gynaecological cancer patients through the platform This is GO, highlighting the intersection of survival, grief, and long-term care challenges.
The Dual Diagnosis: Pregnancy and Cancer
Fifteen years ago, Anne Nally prepared meticulously for motherhood. She took folic acid supplements and passed negative PAP smears before conceiving her first child at age 29. As the pregnancy progressed, heavy bleeding led doctors to run tests that revealed cervical cancer.
“I thought I had miscarried,” Nally told the Westmeath Independent. “The doctors checked it and, after some tests, diagnosed that I have cervical cancer.”
She held the pregnancy until 33 weeks to deliver Colin prematurely. Doctors initially planned to remove the tumor during the delivery, but infant respiratory interventions required the surgical team to close the incision and postpone the tumor removal for six weeks while Colin remained in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Nally subsequently spent four months undergoing cancer treatment in Dublin, separated from her newborn.
Coping with Post-Treatment Menopause and Grief
Nally’s treatment protocol involved radiation, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy. The interventions induced early menopause at age 30 and permanently ended her ability to have children.
“I went into a dark place, a very difficult phase,” Nally said. “I couldn’t accept the new reality, that I can’t have any more children, that I wouldn’t be able to work to my fullest potential again, and that this is going to be permanent in my life.”
Did You Know? World GO Day, observed on September 20, focuses on gynaecologic oncology to promote prevention, early detection, and the reduction of social stigma surrounding ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulval cancers.
The physical toll of brachytherapy—where radioactive seeds, pellets or wires are placed directly inside or near the tumor—left her body severely scarred with compromised bladder and bowel function. Less than a year later, during a routine check-up, doctors diagnosed Colin with Cerebral Palsy stemming from birth complications, adding caregiving responsibilities to Nally’s recovery period.
Advocating for Comprehensive Patient Support
Drawing on 14 years of post-treatment life, Nally emphasizes that survival involves balancing gratitude for life with grief over lost health and career capacity. She rejoined the workforce part-time after four years of recuperation, currently working for interior design firm Ashen & Cloud, which accommodated her medical needs.
Nally now channels her experience into advocacy through This is GO (thisisgo.ie), a platform uniting doctors, patients, and survivors. The group pushes for expanded regional medical services, including dedicated physiotherapy and psychological counseling for both patients and caregivers like her husband, Jonathan.
“Except for cervical cancer, the other gynaecologic cancers do not have a test or screening,” Nally noted, advising women to remain vigilant about symptoms like irregular bleeding and to communicate openly with healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World GO Day?
Observed on September 20, World GO Day raises global awareness for gynaecologic oncology, focusing on prevention, early detection, and reducing social stigma associated with female reproductive cancers.
What are the common symptoms of gynaecological cancers?
Irregular bleeding is a primary and frequently overlooked symptom across multiple gynaecological cancers, including cervical cancer, which has screening tests while other types do not.
What is brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy where radioactive seeds, pellets, or wires are placed directly inside or adjacent to a tumor to destroy cancer cells.
Where can gynaecological cancer survivors find support in Ireland?
Patients and caregivers can access resources and community support through platforms like This is GO (thisisgo.ie), which advocates for improved patient services.