An Interview with Sandra Taute

SHE Stories: Let’s start at the beginning — what was life like for you before your diagnosis?

Sandra: In March 2022, I was in a really good place. I had started adult swimming lessons and was proud of how strong and healthy I was becoming. I was following a ketone diet, had lost 8kg, and felt my energy improving. Life was busy but good. I did have abdominal pain, but I put it down to my endometriosis and knew I had a gynaecology appointment coming up.

SHE Stories: When did you first realise something more serious was going on?

Sandra: In June 2022, I had surgery to remove endometriosis, but things didn’t go smoothly — I had an anaphylactic reaction during the operation. They couldn’t complete the surgery, so it was postponed. A few months later, in October, my dad sadly passed away from mesothelioma, which was heartbreaking. Around that time, I noticed I was unusually tired, breathless, and struggling to swim like I used to. I thought it was just grief catching up with me.

SHE Stories: What led doctors to dig deeper into your symptoms?

Sandra: I noticed blood in my urine while testing for ketosis. My gynaecologist referred me to a urologist who found a strange mass near my kidney in November 2022. A biopsy was ordered, but before I even heard from the doctor, I accidentally discovered my diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Lymphoma (a blood cancer) through my online health record. That was a huge shock.

SHE Stories: How did you cope with receiving that news?

Sandra: I was sitting at the kitchen table with my 10-year-old daughter when I read it. I felt like the ground disappeared beneath me. I rang a close friend and we spent the night trying to make sense of it. The next morning, my GP confirmed it and connected me with a haematologist. She explained that many people live with this type of lymphoma for years without needing immediate treatment, which was a relief — but it didn’t explain all of my symptoms.

SHE Stories: So how did ovarian cancer enter the picture?

Sandra: My gynaecologist ordered a scan of my ovaries in early 2023, and that’s when things escalated. I could see on the screen that my left ovary looked abnormal. The doctor told me she thought it was ovarian cancer. My blood ran cold. Even though my blood tests hadn’t shown anything, my ovary was enlarged and lumpy. It was terrifying.

SHE Stories: That must have been overwhelming — what happened next?

Sandra: At the same time, scans of my lungs showed nodules that looked like tuberculosis. My endometriosis surgery kept getting cancelled — first because of the TB scare, then because of concerns about my previous anaphylaxis. It was an endless cycle of waiting, referrals, and more specialists. During this time, my health and mental wellbeing really suffered. But I was surrounded by friends, family, and community organisations like Karadi, who supported me through appointments and gave me strength.

SHE Stories: When did you finally get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan?

Sandra: In May 2023, I finally had surgery to remove both ovaries, fallopian tubes, and endometriosis. The initial results showed no cancer, which was such a relief. But a week later, my doctor confirmed that ovarian cancer was present, contained within the ovaries. Later, further analysis revealed a rare form called clear cell carcinoma. Thankfully, because it was caught early, I didn’t need chemotherapy. Radiation was discussed but specialists — including Peter Mac in Melbourne — ultimately advised against it. I was put on progesterone instead.

SHE Stories: How are things for you now?

Sandra: I returned to work in October 2023, and that was a huge turning point for me. Getting back into routine and reconnecting with my work family really helped my mental health. Since then, I’ve been monitored closely. My haematologist continues to keep an eye on the Chronic Lymphocytic Lymphoma with regular blood tests, and thankfully it hasn’t needed treatment so far.

Sandra: My lungs have improved a lot — specialists now believe the nodules were caused by inflammation rather than cancer. I still use a daily inhaler and have regular scans, but overall I can breathe much easier than I could back then.

Sandra: It hasn’t all been smooth sailing — fatigue is something I still manage every day, and the hot flushes from instant menopause can be a challenge. But compared to where I was in 2022 and 2023, I feel incredibly fortunate. Two and a half years on, I see it as a second chance at life. I focus on eating well, resting when I need to, and enjoying time with my family.

SHE Stories: Looking back, what has this journey taught you?

Sandra: I’ve learned to listen to my body and keep pushing for answers. If I hadn’t persisted, my ovarian cancer might not have been found early. I’ve also learned the power of community — friends, family, colleagues, and organisations like Karadi truly carried me through the darkest times.

SHE Stories: And what message would you like to share with other people reading this?

Sandra: Trust yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, keep asking questions, keep seeking opinions, and don’t give up. Early detection can make all the difference. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I want others to know they’re not alone in this journey.