Australian writer, speaker and disability advocate Carly Findlay has revealed she has cancer.
In an emotional post to social media, Findlay said she had been taken to hospital the day she returned from an overseas trip, with severe stomach pain and bloating.
“Tests showed that I have a large ovarian cyst, also known as an ovarian mass,” Findlay said in an earlier post.
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The 42-year-old is well known for her work as an appearance advocate, and lives with ichthyosis, a genetic disorder that affects her skin and hair.
She said she had been experiencing symptoms for six months which she had believed were related to a bowel condition.
But, after the discovery of the ovarian cyst, Findlay was required to have a full hysterectomy.
“Unfortunately, two types of cancer were detected during surgery,” she said.
“I’ll find out more about the diagnosis and treatment soon.”
As a result of the procedure, Findlay said she had lost the choice to have children and would now expect early menopause, which could have a “huge impact on the body and the mind”.
“Everyone around me has been incredibly gentle and kind,” she said.
“The surgeon who led the surgery held my hand as she told me the news.
“Even though I knew cancer was a possibility, it’s a lot to take in, especially while recovering from major surgery.”
The social media influencer, who often documents her love of fashion as well as daily life living with a disability, says she is still recovering and taking it “one day at a time”.
