ICYMI, there was something growing in my belly… and it was the size of a baseball. No, I wasn’t pregnant. A few weeks ago, I found out I had a huge cyst on one of my ovaries—literally the size of a baseball. And now, after undergoing surgery, I’m in the recovery phase, slowly healing and processing everything I’ve been through.
The Symptoms I Ignored for Too Long
For months (maybe even longer), I had been dealing with so many different issues, but like most busy working moms, I pushed through and ignored them:
✅ Sharp pains
✅ Painful sex
✅ Irregular periods
✅ Swollen uterus
✅ Hair growth
✅ Night sweats
✅ Frequent urination
✅ Mood swings
Looking back, it’s almost shocking that I didn’t seek help sooner. But life gets busy, and honestly… who has the time to sit in a doctor’s office for hours just to be told “It’s normal” or “Just take some ibuprofen”?
The Struggle to Be Heard
When my everyday dull pain turned into something so intense it took my breath away, I knew something was seriously wrong. So I finally went to my OB, hoping for real answers.
Instead, I was told:
💊 “It’s probably just bad cramps. Try ibuprofen and birth control.”
🙃 “You don’t have PCOS—if you did, you wouldn’t have had kids so easily.”
🤨 “I don’t feel anything abnormal during the manual exam.”
But I knew my body. I knew this wasn’t just bad cramps.
I had to push back. I had to keep repeating my symptoms and asking questions. Finally, my OB ordered an ultrasound—“just to be sure.”
And there it was. A massive ovarian cyst.
Cyst Removal Surgery, Recovery & Moving Forward
Hearing the news was overwhelming, but I knew surgery was the best option. I recently had the cyst removed, and now I’m in the process of recovering—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It’s been a lot to process. The type of cyst they suspected had a low chance of being cancerous, but given my family history (both my mom and grandmother have had various cancers and hysterectomies due to tumors), it was still scary. Surgery wasn’t just about removing the cyst; it was about taking control of my health and making sure nothing more serious was going on.
What I’ve Learned & Why I’m Sharing This
I’m sharing this because I know so many women are struggling with symptoms that are being dismissed.
Too often, we’re told:
❌ “It’s normal.”
❌ “That’s just part of being a woman.”
❌ “Just take some birth control, and you’ll be fine.”
But pain isn’t normal. And if something feels off, you deserve answers.
What’s Next? Taking It One Day at a Time
Right now, I’m focused on healing, listening to my body, and taking things slow.
🤍 I’m thankful I finally sought help.
🤍 I’m thankful I didn’t stop pushing for answers.
🤍 I’m thankful my doctor eventually listened.
🤍 I’m thankful for my husband, who’s been by my side.
🤍 I’m thankful my mom was able to come help with the kids during my recovery.
If you’re dealing with unexplained symptoms, please—don’t ignore them. Don’t let anyone dismiss what you’re feeling. You know your body better than anyone.
Follow Along for Updates
I’m still in the recovery phase and sharing more about my experience over on Instagram. If you want to follow along, connect with me @Mallory.Ennis—I’d love to hear from you, especially if you’ve gone through something similar.
And if this post reaches even one woman who needs the reminder to advocate for herself, then sharing my story will have been worth it. 🖤
xoxo, mal
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