In 2023, at 69 years old, I was diagnosed with serous borderline ovarian cancer stage 1b and underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes. Over 23 years ago, I had a hysterectomy, but kept my ovaries and tubes because I didn’t want to go into early menopause. For the past several years I have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating and have been treated several times by a gastroenterologist who basically dismissed my symptoms as post-menopausal issues and possible IBS and suggested I follow a FODMAP diet.
In September 2023, following a slip on the dock at our cabin and a hard fall on my tush, I was experiencing back and leg pain. I saw an orthopedist who suggested an MRI. The positive outcome was that there was no notable lumbar/tailbone damage. However, the MRI did show a large mass on my left ovary, and I was encouraged to see a gynecologist. When results from an ultrasound confirmed the mass and my CA125 blood test was elevated, I requested a referral to a gynecologic oncologist. I was able to get an appointment within a week and underwent many tests. I had outpatient laparoscopic surgery on November 30th. My recovery went well, and the doctors said since it was caught so early no chemo or radiation is necessary. I am so lucky! If it wasn’t for the fall and a heads-up orthopedist, down the road the diagnosis could have been much worse.
Although I continue to have some abdominal pain following the surgery, which the doctors attribute to nerves being damaged during surgery, my latest check-up in April was positive. Everything has healed well and, more importantly—my CA125 was normal! I have been advised to continue to have check-ups and blood tests every 3-4 months.
My plea to all women—don’t ignore even the vaguest of symptoms! Prompt attention to ovarian cancer symptoms may improve the odds of early diagnosis and successful treatment. If you have symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer almost daily for more than a few weeks, report them right away to your health care professional.
The information enclosed in Survivor Stories should not be considered a substitute for the opinion of a qualified health care provider. MOCA does not recommend or guarantee any product mentioned. Please use this information to assist you in obtaining further information and in making your own health care decisions.
