30-year-old model Elly Mayday has died after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer

30-year-old model Elly Mayday has died after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Ashley Shandrel Luther, who modelled under the name Elly Mayday, lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Friday March 1.

Originally diagnosed in 2013, Elly fought stage three ovarian cancer and although chemotherapy initially had positive results, Elly suffered a relapse in 2017.

 

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If you follow my stories, you would know I’ve been dealing with unreal back pain. I was put through the tests. X-ray, blood work and a Ct Scan, which required another IV, only took three tries oh and when they ran the contrast dye the tube was kinked. I thought I was experiencing a reaction but it was the dye not going through the line, just running in and out of my arm) that sucked. The Good news* there isn’t another blood clot and it’s probably just muscular. My breathing was quick and I couldn’t take a full breathe, I hate that feeling. When I attempted to breathe or move, a shrieking pain would run all the way up my shoulder. Today I am feeling a bit better than Thursday/Friday but it’s still here. Ice packs have helped and having a hand up never hurts. Tomorrow I have a RMT coming into my room for what I hope is the most relaxing massage ever. I routinely got massages over the course of my first treatment. Even if I wasn’t super sore, I wanted to associate touch with something positive and relaxing, unlike all the needles and I had to put my body through. What helps you relax? What’s the best thing for your body? #ovarian #ovariancancer #cancer #treatment #ellymayday #occ #living #cancertreatment #shorthair

A post shared by Elly Mayday (@elly.mayday) on Oct 6, 2018 at 4:23pm PDT

Elly also underwent a hysterectomy and after the surgery, she often displayed the scars on her stomach as part of her modelling career, encouraging body positivity and receiving a huge fan following as a result.

Shortly after her diagnosis, the Canadian native received two modelling contracts and kept in touch with her followers through regular posts on her treatment and how it impacted on her body.

 

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This time tomorrow I’m planning on heading back to Vancouver with my mom by my side. We’ve got to get more help and some answers to the pain and awful side effects of all I’ve endured. Hopefully a specialist or someone who knows more about immunotherapy can help. If you’ve recovered from bowel surgery, did probiotics help? I’m the thinnest I’ve been in my life and I just don’t think I can lose any more weight. The fact is that my bowels are working overtime, rumbling all hours of the night and churning whatever food I had into mush. I’ve been trying to keep hydrated and gain weight but the food just doesn’t stay with me. I drink a lot of electrolytes and I haven’t been puking which is a nice change. Cannabis has helped with appetite/sleep but these pain killers also feel like they are destroying my gut. ? That’s all my life has been pretty much since I got out in October so that’s why I don’t post much, even though I know you guys are cool with me complaining here and there. So, we’re doing this again. I’m not sure I’ll be admitted immediately. I appreciate any advice you have on what you’ve been through. I’m not giving up hope, My body can get through this.

A post shared by Elly Mayday (@elly.mayday) on Jan 3, 2019 at 11:18am PST

On Friday, her family released a statement via Elly’s Instagram account confirming that she had passed away.

“Elly Mayday’s given name was Ashley Shandrel Luther. She was born on April 15, 1988 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Ashley was deeply loved by her family in Canada and in Germany.

Ashley was a country girl at heart who had a passion for life that was undeniable. She dreamed of making an impact on people’s lives. She achieved this through the creation of Elly Mayday which allowed her to connect with all of you. Her constant support and love from her followers held a special place in her heart.

Ashely passed away on Friday, March 1st at 5:14pm. You all inspired Ashley and we hope she did the same for you. Feel free to share your positive thoughts and memories below.

Love and light,
Ashely’s loving family”.

 

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Elly Mayday’s given name was Ashley Shandrel Luther. She was born on April 15, 1988 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Ashley was deeply loved by her family in Canada and in Germany. . . Ashley was a country girl at heart who had a passion for life that was undeniable. She dreamed of making an impact on people’s lives. She achieved this through the creation of Elly Mayday which allowed her to connect with all of you. Her constant support and love from her followers held a special place in her heart. . . Ashely passed away on Friday, March 1st at 5:14pm. You all inspired Ashley and we hope she did the same for you. Feel free to share your positive thoughts and memories below. . . love and light, . Ashely’s loving family

A post shared by Elly Mayday (@elly.mayday) on Mar 2, 2019 at 5:12pm PST

Ovarian cancer has previously been described as a ‘silent killer’ because many of the symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses.

In many cases, it is not diagnosed until the advanced stages because the signs often go unnoticed and overlooked.

The Irish Cancer Society previously released information on the BEAT symptoms of ovarian cancer, which are outlined below.

• Bloating that is persistent and doesn’t come and go
• Eating less and feeling full more quickly
• Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
• Talk to your GP about your symptoms