A mum who’s battled endometriosis and adenomyosis for years, has marked a huge turning point in her health journey by creating an incredible cake, made from Coles products.

Hobby baker Jak Anderson told Mouths of Mums that she enjoys a challenge, and that she dreamt up the concept for this cake in 2013, after a formal diagnosis of endometriosis.

“Naturally, I went to Dr Google to start learning and when I typed ‘endometriosis’ into the search bar, an image of an internal anatomical uterus with endo lesions and barbed wire came up in my search,” Jak explained. “That image was so powerful it stuck with me.”

Over the years Jak has undergone several surgeries and procedures to manage the condition, all the while keeping the cake idea in the back of her mind.

“I thought about it when I had more endo excised later and again when I was subsequently diagnosed with adenomyosis. I have spent the best part of a decade dealing with excruciating bouts of pain, through ovulation and during my periods especially.

“I’ve had numerous visits to the ER for pain management. Both endo and adeno are diseases not taken seriously by many medical professionals who just want to put you on birth control (which I can’t tolerate) or tell you ‘it’s only period pain, it’s normal, take Panadol’…well, it isn’t normal and I know I wasn’t alone in my suffering. Depending on what statistic you read, around 1 in 10 people with female reproductive organs have endometriosis and/or adenomyosis. I also had PCOS as a younger person and both our children were conceived with the help of modern science – so all up, I felt that image I’d seen early in my research summed it up perfectly for me … I was a prisoner to my reproductive organs.”

With her conditions limiting her quality of life, Jak made a huge health decision this year.

“My adenomyosis was getting worse and worse along with ovulation pain, to the point that we were cancelling plans and I’d get anxious each cycle . In July, I had another exploratory surgery and adhesions removed from previous endo and pelvic surgeries, as well as my right ovary being unstuck from my pelvic wall. With all endometriosis previously excised and ‘just’ the adenomyosis left to content with, I finally made the decision that it was time for the hysterectomy to deal with that.”

Determined to make the best of the situation, Jak decided to embrace what was happening, which including making a ‘celebration’ endo warrior cake. And it became a family affair.

“Once I’d book my ‘eviction day’ date, ordered some silly t-shirts to wear in and out of hospital, I knew I’d be making the cake inspired by that image I’d seen so many years ago. I also knew I’d have to do it piecemeal and listen to my body. Usually, when I do my cakes, I prefer to bake and decorate all together, but knowing I’d need to take it easy, I used the Coles pre-made cakes.

“My husband, Nick, who has supported me throughout my various reproductive organ challenges, helped me construct the structure to support the cake, then I just did little bits at a time. I found it really hard to find the right anatomical images as they all looked a little different, so I just applied some creative licence. My youngest son helped me to kneed my modelling chocolate fondant blend I like to use with sculpted cakes because I didn’t have the strength for that. I created the cake over probably five days all up, with the barbed wire taking the longest time to make and paint.

“The whole process was cathartic. I remember creating the two dripping globules of blood and wondering whether it was a step too far, but once I’d attached them, it made me so emotional because too far or not, it absolutely represented how I’ve felt for many years.”

The cake was made using a Coles Caramel Mud Cake, a Coles White Chocolate Mudcake, a Coles Madeira Cake, modelling chocolate, fondant and edible paints.

Jak decided to share her cake with the Woolies/Coles Mudcake Hacks Facebook group, despite some reservations.

“I even debated with two of my best girlfriends about whether or not I should post it … partly because it is undoubtedly macabre and partly because it had potential to trigger and cause emotional harm to others.”

“One person commented that she also resonated it having struggled with infertility and so many others with endo and/or adeno have reached out to say that the cake spoke to them too. I do hope it has had more positive and powerful impact than caused any upset. I included the hashtags #endowarrior #adeno #pain # strength because they are all words of significance to me and my journey. Including the endo/adeno awareness ribbon was equally important to me.”

Jak says she hopes her cake creation opens up difficult conversations so other women know they’re not alone in their journeys.

“I’d encourage every person who thinks or feels that their menstrual cycle is more painful than is reasonable (at any time of their cycle), get a referral to an endo specialist and get yourself heard. Science and understanding of endo and adeno have come on a long way in the last 10 years. Join some forums, get recommendations in your area, and most importantly, be heard! If you don’t have private health, try different doctors until you are taken seriously and referred through the public system.”

Jak, who has an Instagram page called Verve Cakes by Jak dedicated to her incredible cake creations, says she’s looking forward to eventually enjoying her endo cake.

“I’m four weeks post total robotic hysterectomy now and looking forward to my future. I’ve made two cakes while recovering (an ammonite for my hubby’s Lapidary club, and my uterus) as a way to keep me engaged on something that brings me joy and movement without overdoing it. I haven’t cut the cake yet – I’m not ready for that, but when I do, it will be with a large glass of my favourite wine and toasting the love and support of my husband, who has been there for me every step of the way, every single day.”