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Comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri Reveals Her Cancer Fight and Hysterectomy Journey
Fatiha El-Ghorri, a comedian who featured in Taskmaster, revealed that a hysterectomy was part of her cancer treatment after being diagnosed with cancer of the endometrium. The 44-year-old took to Instagram to share the news that the surgery was done last May.
Fatiha opened up about the ordeal of experiencing severe “medical menopause” resulting from cancer treatment. Nearly a year before that, at a routine medical check-up, she had a transvaginal ultrasound—a camera going inside the vagina to get a view of the womb—which detected something abnormal.
She explained, “[The doctor] told me that according to the image from the ultrasound there was something abnormal in my uterus and that I would have to be tested very quickly.” He mentioned it might not be cancer but to be sure, the only way was through surgery.”
Fatiha El-Ghorri Reflects on Stage 1 Cancer Diagnosis and the Challenges of Medical Menopause
In May, Fatiha El-Ghorri underwent a hysterectomy and also decided to have her ovaries removed at the same time in order to prevent chemo and another operation if cancer was present. Unfortunately, by the time the doctors realized this, they confirmed that she had stage 1 endometrial cancer. The cancer was only in the womb, so they removed all the cancer through the surgery and she didn’t have to undergo any further treatment.
However, Fatiha said that the “forced menopause” has been even more difficult than the operation itself. After a specialist appointment was scheduled seven months later, she decided to go private instead.
“People mostly only think of menopause as the time when women get hot flushes and mood swings but really menopause is far, far more than that,” she explained. “We are talking about low mood, vaginal dryness (if not painful), change in appetite, dry skin, change in hair, depression, memory problems – just to mention a few of them.” She added that through her private medical care, vitamins and other supplements have helped her deal with the symptoms.
Fatiha El-Ghorri Opens Up About Post-Surgery Recovery and Menopause Awareness
Fatiha El-Ghorri expressed that the vitamins and supplements that her doctor had given her really helped her in the recovery process. She went on to highlight the insufficient menopausal support by saying, “We have to do more, menopause ain’t a joke. It changes your life forever, physically, mentally and hormonally.”
Fatiha El-Ghorri also very honestly talked about the impact on her emotions and body after her keyhole surgery that left five cuts along her abdomen. “I really struggled after surgery.“I was helpless,” she told the reporter. “Even the simplest things like sitting up, coughing, sneezing, laughing, and going to the toilet were really tough. I didn’t manage to bend at the waist again until Christmas.
At first Fatiha was so ashamed of her weakness that she didn’t tell anyone about her condition after surgery. But when she opened up, she got a lot of love and support from her fans and colleagues. A comedian, Mathew Baynton, wrote a comment, “I’m amazed by how strong you are.”.. Sharing this will help loads of people. All the love in the world to you.”
Support Is Pouring In for Fatiha El-Ghorri As She Hypes Endometrial Cancer Awareness
Fatiha El-Ghorri got support from comedian Sarah Millican who wrote to her, “To you, I’m sending a huge amount of love and strength. Thank you for your openness. X.” Social media was also filled with messages of support from fans who said, “Sending love and this just goes to show you have no idea what people are going through and having to deal with just by looking at them xx,” “You’re incredible! Thank you for your courage, your strength, your humor!” and “You have such a wonderful spirit.”
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus. It may also involve the cervix, the outer lining of the womb, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the vagina, and the vulva. Many patients see early symptoms and thus get timely diagnoses, but, in fact, routine tests like a pelvic exam or a Pap smear do not readily reveal endometrial cancer as they do cervical cancer.
