A mum who suffered with heavy periods throughout her life later learned some were miscarriages caused by cancer.
Full-time mum Fiona Williams, 46, from Wishaw, Scotland, has suffered from fertility issues for the past twenty years, first being examined after she got married in 2002.
She discovered that what she had thought were heavy periods - that would sometimes soak through her clothes - were actually a series of miscarriages caused by polycystic ovaries.
"We were absolutely devastated but resigned ourselves to the fact we would never be able to have our own baby," said Fiona.
"Two months later, I went to the doctors thinking I had depression and feeling really low.
"They automatically did a pregnancy test although I told them I had been told I couldn't have children so it was unlikely. It was then I was told I was definitely pregnant.
"I had an emergency C-section and was told that I wouldn't be able to have any more children.
"Eight years later, I found out I was pregnant again, and I had to have another C-section. I had to be resuscitated twice and was told to kiss my husband and baby goodbye.
"Afterwards, they told me again that I wouldn't be able to have another baby and it would be dangerous if I did - but just over a year later, I found out I was pregnant again."
Now a mum of three to children Rhian, 17, Thomas, 9, and David, 7, Fiona was still suffering from abnormally heavy and painful periods, but also started having troubles with back pain.
She was told she had fibroids - non-cancerous growths in the uterus - and was prescribed mefanemic and tranesnamic acid tablets to help with the heavy bleeding and pain.
But despite some of her pain being eased, Fiona was still struggling, and had started having pains across her body.
"I went to the doctors several times for pain all over my body constantly and in 2019 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia," she said.
"Then in January 2021, I went to the doctors and had an internal exam, and the doctor said she thought she could feel fibroids again, so she sent me for blood tests and an ultrasound.
"My blood tests came back clear except I was anemic, so I was referred for an ultrasound and sent a request for an appointment at gynecology.
"The ultrasound just showed fibroids again, and I received a letter from the gynaecologist to go and have a hysteroscopic polypectomy to remove the fibroids.
"The screen is right next to you so I could see a large lump that was very veiny and looked quite fiery."
After having the fibroids biopsied, Fiona waited nine weeks to hear the news, in June 2021 - that she had endometrial cancer.
Fiona had a hysterectomy to remove her womb, but some cancer still remained in her omentum - but that another surgery couldn't be scheduled for months because of the pandemic.
"Besides initial diagnosis and then pathology results, I've had to go alone to the hospital alone because of Covid," said Fiona.
"I wasn't allowed visitors after either of my operations. It was scary and very lonely."
While waiting for her second surgery, she began chemotherapy, and started noticing side effects after her first session.
"After my first chemotherapy session, I noticed my hair was falling out - so I decided I wanted to shave it off," said Fiona.
"I wanted to take back control. This way cancer and chemo weren't taking my hair, I was.
"I let my kids help shave my head so they could be involved and then it was a fun thing and it wasn't so scary seeing their mum with no hair."
Most people in Fiona's life have been supportive of her while she has struggled - but some have shown their true colours.
"My family have rallied around me so much and I've really felt so supported - and I've discovered who my real friends are too," she said.
"My friends are always in contact to ask how I am and if I need anything which has been so lovely.
"People I thought were my friends who I'd been there for through their trivial dramas disappeared and don't even acknowledge my diagnosis so they are no longer part of my life.
"I have had a few messages from anonymous people saying I look bloated and unattractive- but I'm not trying to impress anyone anyway, so I don't care."
In a post on her Instagram page, @feebleeonasparklebutt , Fiona said: "I have lost followers since telling people I have cancer and posting pictures of me without my hair.
"I've had people tell me I look 'ridiculous' 'bloated' and 'unattractive' and you know what? Not one f*** has been given!
"I'm not here to impress anyone, I don't need anyone's approval. I'm here to spread awareness about endometrial cancer and try to stay positive about my diagnosis and treatment and discuss it with anyone who wants to know and share my fight."
Fiona added that in sharing her journey, she has helped others catch cancer early.
"I've had several friends who because of reading my story have gotten checked themselves and three have had to have hysterectomies due to abnormal cells and cancer present," she said.
"That's three lives that may have been lost had they not got checked out."
