A MOTHER-of-two who underwent a life-saving hysterectomy in her twenties is celebrating six years of being cancer-free.
Janine Evans, of Pentre Gwyn, Caia Park, Wrexham, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer aged 28 after complaining to her GP about irregular periods.
Two weeks later she was on the operating table, where surgeons also discovered a tumour on her appendix.
But the removal of the tumour prompted a major heart attack, which put Janine in intensive care for four days.
After surgery Janine, now 36, underwent intense chemotherapy and remained on tablets for a further four years to ensure she was rid of the cancer.
Now a healthy Janine is reaping the rewards of a thriving business.
She told the Leader: “I had never had irregular periods before.
“Then overnight my stomach just grew and it looked like I was four months pregnant.
“I went for a scan and they told me it was cancer. Then they told me I needed a hysterectomy and I was just devastated.
“I already had two children, but would have liked more.
“I’ve since heard that women of 21 have also had to undergo a hysterectomy, so I’m lucky to have had my two already.”
The discovery of a tumour on her appendix was a surprise for surgeons.
Janine said: “They had no choice to remove it, but it sent me into cardiac arrest and I had to be resuscitated.
“When I came around the doctor told me I was very lucky to be alive. I was basically written off.
“The chemotherapy made me lose my hair but I didn’t know how to tell my children I had cancer, so I wore wigs.”
Gwersyllt-raised Janine, who has a 10-year-old son Charlie, who is autistic, and a 15-year-old daughter, Tiffany, is now doing her best to live life to the full.
She quit her job as a legal secretary for Wrexham-based Cyril Jones & Co and became a full-time sales leader for Avon.
She has since been promoted to executive sales leader and runs a 400-strong team of representatives.
Janine won £1,500 in shopping vouchers after she was recognised at the annual Live Your Dream event hosted by Avon and she is currently first in a list of the top 20 sales leaders, the eventual winner of which will be announced in August.
Janine has been supported through her ordeal by mother, Pauline, 67, and father, Emlyn Humphreys, 78, of Rhosrobin.
She added: “I don’t know what I would have done without my parents.
“It wasn’t an easy period for me, but they looked after the children whenever I was in hospital, and gave me so much support.”
To become an Avon representative for Janine, go to earn-as-a-rep-uk.co.uk or call her on 07921822974.